PhD scholarship in Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology – DTU Food

About the opportunity

The DTU National Food Institute, Research Group for Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology, is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a 3-year PhD position. Titled “Predictive Reproductive Toxicology Through Retinoid Signaling and Adverse Outcome Pathways,” the project aims to improve the identification and prediction of reproductive toxicants by integrating mechanistic developmental biology with regulatory toxicology. Jointly supervised by researchers at DTU and the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, the project includes a planned research stay of approximately six months in Brisbane, Australia, and synergy with a second PhD project at the UQ partner group. The work combines chemical prioritization, high-throughput screening data analysis, targeted experimental studies (such as intrauterine rodent exposure studies, morphological and histopathological analyses, and ex vivo cultures), and regulatory interpretation to develop Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs).

Salary and benefits

• Fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
• Interdisciplinary training spanning reproductive toxicology, developmental biology, chemical hazard assessment, and AOP development
• An international research environment with collaborative opportunities at DTU and the University of Queensland
• A planned research placement of approximately six months at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia

Who can apply?

• Must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree (applicants may apply prior to obtaining the master's degree but cannot begin before receiving it)
• Strong English language skills, verbal and written
• Strong communication, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Scientific curiosity, determination, and the ability to manage multiple parallel tasks
• Previous experience with laboratory work, such as molecular biology techniques, cell/tissue imaging, or animal studies

Required documents

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English, including an official description of the grading scale
• List of 2-3 references that may be contacted by the assessment panel

When to apply

• Application deadline is Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
• Starting date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement

How to apply

• Open the online application link
• Fill out the online application form
• Combine all required application materials into one PDF file in English
• Submit the complete online application before the deadline

Additional information

• The scholarship is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in a general degree programme at DTU.
• As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special security rules, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates.