The Ravnskjaer lab at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as PhD fellow. The position is available from December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Ravnskjaer lab is headed by Assoc. Prof. Kim Ravnskjaer and focuses on the molecular basis for cardiometabolic health. We combine comprehensive studies of human biopsies with targeted gene disruption in advanced preclinical models, single cell transcriptomics, and bioimaging. Expertise in wet-lab and computational biology, close ties to the clinic, and a wonderful team of early career scientists give us the agility to swiftly move from hypotheses to biological insights and mechanism.

Our lab is based in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, which constitutes an international, ambitious, dynamic, and well-resourced working environment. Our unit and department have state-of-the-art facilities for flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with regional hospitals including Odense University Hospital (OUH).

We are partners in several regional, national and international initiatives including the DNRF-funded Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity aimed at obtaining systems-level, mechanistic and cell type-resolved understanding of tissue plasticities in diet-induced obesity and regression.

For the current project, Molecular Determinants of Adipose Tissue Lipoprotein Clearance, we seek an experimentalist with hands-on experience in adipose tissue or microvascular biology, FELASA B certification or similar, working experience with mouse models, and as well as an interest in lipid metabolism. Familiarity with adipose tissue imaging techniques is an advantage.

We offer:

• A three-year PhD position (or four-year for Master students) in a supportive, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment

• Enrollment in PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program

• Training in a wide range of scientific and transferable skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.

• Mentoring and career development in a network of national and international collaborators

• Research exchange to collaborating institutions, depending on the project and interest of the PhD student

• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, workflows, and infrastructure

• Competitive salary and social benefits (health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)

• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects, especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology. If you have not yet completed your master program, you can apply to be enrolled in our 4+4 PhD program, which is a way to commence the PhD study whilst concurrently completing the master program (https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/sdus_profil/strategi/udfolder_talenter_og_fremmer_det_unikke/4_plus_4_ph_d)

• Strong collaborative and communication skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment

• Proficiency in spoken and written English

• Documented hands-on experience with liver biology, cell culture and mouse physiology is considered an advantage.

Application deadline: 27. October 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk