PhD scholarship in Multi-target acute GPCR inhibitors for migraine delivered via intranasal mRNA-encoded binders DTU Bioengineering

If you are motivated by hands-on experimental research and want to help develop the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics this PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of protein engineering mRNA delivery and translational neuroscience.

At Technical University of Denmark (DTU) you will join an ambitious and collaborative research environment at DTU Bioengineering focused on engineering biological solutions to major health challenges.

Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be to experimentally develop and validate multi-target GPCR inhibitors using advanced wet lab approaches. The position is primarily laboratory-based with complementary data analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Clone express and characterize therapeutic minibinders
• Develop and optimize synthetic mRNA constructs
• Perform cell-based functional GPCR assays
• Conduct protein purification and biochemical characterization
• Evaluate biological activity in relevant in vitro systems
• Contribute to in vivo validation studies (e.g. electrophysiological readouts)
• Analyze data and publish results in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications
You must:

• Hold (or are close to completing) an MSc degree in Bioengineering Biotechnology Molecular Biology Biomedicine or similar
• Have strong hands-on experience with molecular biology and protein expression
• Have experience with cell culture and functional assays
• Demonstrate structured experimental planning and independence
• Are highly motivated and able to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Communicate fluently in English (written and spoken)

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date will be 1 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further informationmay be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins ()

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 April 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation new businesses and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees of which 2/3 are scientific department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive evolving and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.