PhD Student position within the field of pre-mRNA splicing and disease

The RNA Precision Medicine Center Section of Translational Biology at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a PhD student position within the field of pre-mRNA splicing and disease. The position is to be filled from 1 April 2026.

The candidate will be part of a dynamic research group which focus on generating a better understanding of all aspects of RNA biology in human disease and how to translate this into precision medicine.

The present project is focused on pre-mRNA splicing regulatory mechanisms and how inherited mutations can cause aberrant splicing and human disease. Identification and characterization of splicing regulatory motifs and regulatory RNA binding proteins important for metabolic- cancerous- and neurodegenerative the project patient cells model- and reporter-minigenes gene editing and animal models as well as in vitro RNA binding techniques and bioinformatics will be used to explore changes in mRNA splicing and to identify and characterize the involved cis- and trans-factors.

The project has a special emphasis on correction of disease associated splicing and on identification and characterization of methods for up- and down-regulation of gene-expression employing splice switching oligonucleotides and RNA binding small molecule drugs. The project will generate basic knowledge on RNA-centered molecular mechanisms the molecular pathology of aberrant splicing and it aims at translating this into new precision RNA medicine.

Applications are sought from candidates with a masters degree in molecular biology biochemistry cell biology medicine or a related field and documented experience in molecular and cellular biology.

Specifically experimental expertise in RNA biology including working with antisense oligonucleotides and RNA binding small molecule drugs for modulation of splicing as well as hands-on experience with Next Generation Sequencing technologies and bioinformatics is preferable.

Applicants should have demonstrated scientific productivity good inter-personal and communication skills good written and spoken English skills and be able to conduct independent and creative research.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a strong international and competitive research environment within the fields of RNA biology molecular genetics and cell biology protein chemistry and mass spectrometry molecular microbiology and biophysics.

For further information about the position please contact Professor Brage Storstein Andresen PhD FRCPath e-mail:bragea@ phone: +.

Applicationsalaryetc.

Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the

Universitys website.

The successful applicant will be employedin accordance withthe agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information onsalary(only available in Danish)andtaxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this universityin accordance withfaculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhDProgrammeat the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about thePhD-studycan be found at theUniversitys website.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages).
• Detailed CV including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of diplomas Bachelor as well as Masters degree including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.