PhD fellowship in cellular mechanisms underlying severe post-acute disease biology

About the role

The Desler Group at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, offers a PhD fellowship to investigate cellular mechanisms that drive severe post‑acute disease after viral infections such as COVID‑19 and influenza. The position starts on 1 November 2026 (or as soon as possible) and combines analysis of longitudinal patient cohorts with mechanistic in‑vitro experiments.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate proteomic and metabolomic data from patient plasma with functional read‑outs from advanced 2D and 3D cellular models.
• Develop and optimise in‑vitro assays to study mitochondrial dysfunction, immunometabolic reprogramming, cellular senescence and persistent inflammation.
• Collaborate with Amager & Hvidovre Hospital and international partners to translate molecular findings into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Perform multi‑omics analyses and contribute to the Horizon Europe POINT project.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications and presentations of research outcomes.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field.
• Strong interest in immunometabolism, aging, and post‑acute disease biology.
• Experience working with human cohort data and/or cellular model systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Required skills

• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Multi‑omics data analysis
• Cell culture (2D and 3D models)
• Molecular biology techniques

What we offer

• Full PhD funding and access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and participation in a Horizon Europe project.
• Mentorship from leading experts in translational metabolism and aging.