PhD Fellowship in DNA Replication and Early Mammalian Development
Investigate the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and genome duplication at the very beginning of mammalian life.
Best for:Best for ambitious life sciences graduates with a strong interest in developmental biology, molecular genetics, and cellular imaging.
Overview
The University of Copenhagen is offering a fully funded three-year PhD fellowship within the Halliwell Group at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. The successful candidate will research how DNA replication programmes are established immediately after fertilisation and how errors in this process lead to genome instability and developmental failure. Working in an interdisciplinary environment, the project combines developmental biology, genome engineering, embryology, and single-cell genomics. The appointee will design independent experiments, complete doctoral coursework, and contribute to scientific publications and teaching.
What you'll do
- Design and execute an independent research project focusing on DNA replication in early mammalian embryos under supervision.
- Perform mammalian cell culture, genome engineering, and embryology experiments using modern molecular and cellular techniques.
- Analyze, interpret, and curate complex experimental and single-cell genomic datasets.
- Complete PhD coursework and educational components equivalent to approximately 30 ECTS points.
- Draft and write a doctoral thesis based on the research findings.
- Participate in teaching activities, scientific dissemination, and structured research stays with external teams.
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as biology, embryology, genetics, or biomedicine
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent written and spoken proficiency
Instruction: English
- Practical laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology
- Strong foundational interest and curiosity in developmental biology and scientific discovery
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively
- Strong analytical skills for experimental data interpretation
- Hold a relevant academic degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS BSc plus 120 ECTS MSc) or meet specific foreign qualification criteria
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-01 (Europe/Copenhagen)
Candidates must submit their application electronically through the official university recruitment portal by clicking the apply link. The submission must include a motivated letter of application, curriculum vitae, diploma transcripts, and any relevant publication records.
- Motivated letter of application
- CV
- Master of Science diploma and transcript of records
- Publication list
Contact
Jason Halliwell· Principal Supervisor
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