PhD position in stem cell-based hypothalamus disease modelling

About the role

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the University of Copenhagen seeks a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a project on appetite regulation using human stem cell‑derived hypothalamic models.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate intracellular pathways involved in receptor‑mediated activation of appetite‑suppressing and appetite‑stimulating neurons.
• Develop and characterise novel stem‑cell based 3D and assembloid models of key hypothalamic nuclei.
• Collaborate closely with other PhD students and post‑doctoral researchers within an international interdisciplinary consortium.
• Analyse data using core facilities for transcriptomics, imaging, flow cytometry and proteomics.

Required profile

• Strong educational background in stem cell biology, biotechnology, neuroscience or a related field.
• Motivated, ambitious and able to work independently as well as in a collaborative team.
• Interest in molecular mechanisms of appetite regulation and neurodegenerative disease modelling.

Required skills

• Stem cell culture and differentiation techniques.
• 3D organoid/assembloid modelling.
• Transcriptomics analysis.
• Advanced imaging methods.
• Flow cytometry.
• Proteomics.

What we offer

• Creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, highly international research environment.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and core facilities.
• Opportunity to contribute to translational research with potential for extension beyond the initial three‑year term.