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PhD in Translational Leukemia Research at Rigshospitalet

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher who would like to join our translational hematology research program on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for a PhD position to commence 1rst of October 2025.

Therapy resistance poses a major challenge in the treatment of cancer patients with mutations in the TP53 gene. Cancer patients with TP53mut/del acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are no exception, as they frequently exhibit resistance and a dismal clinical outcome when treated with standard induction or standard second-line salvage chemotherapies including DNA-damaging anthracyclines. Our aim is to identify novel compounds that inhibit AML cells' ability to repair and survive lethal DNA damage induced by chemotherapy, thereby enhancing chemosensitivity and improving therapeutic efficacy in patients with TP53-mutated AML.

Start: Preferably 1rst of October 2025 or after agreement

Duration: 3 years

Qualifications

We expect you to be a highly motivated and highly ambitious scientist with the following qualifications:

  • MSc in biology, molecular biology, medical biotechnology, or MD with a strong interest in mechanisms of cancer and drug development.
  • Expertise in molecular biology techniques, mouse models including AML GEMMs and AML PDXs, flow-cytometry, tissue culture including in vitro drug screening would be preferable.
  • Ability to communicate in written and spoken English at the highest level is required.
  • Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • A publication record as first or co-author in the field of cancer biology and drug development is preferable.

Place of employment

The PhD student will join the group of Kim Theilgaard-Mönch, MD, DMSc, which currently constitutes 7 scientist and is focusing on a translational research program for patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The employment is at Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Given the collaborative character of the project, the candidate is expected to periodically work at laboratories based at Rigshospitalet, the University of Copenhagen (collaborator Prof. Krister Wennerberg), and the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and as number of core facilities incl. a high throughput drug screening facility, animal facilities, and a FACS core facility, etc.. We have regular journal clubs, data clubs, seminars with invited speakers and a comprehensive PhD program.

Through our affiliation with Rigshospitalet, we have access to biobanked AML patient samples and normal human bone marrow samples for the current research project.

Rigshospitalet represents the largest and most comprehensive academic hospital in Denmark. Its Department of Hematology is a national center of expertise and has a longstanding and certified expertise for treatment of all hematological disorders in adults according to internationally accepted guidelines and standards.

Please read more about the Theilgaard-Mönch research group on Rigshospitalet and Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, UCPH

Terms of employment and Salary

The employment as PhD student is a full time and fixed-term position for 3 years.

Starting date is 1rst of Otober 2025 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Questions
For further information please contact Kim Theilgaard-Mönch on e-mail kim.theilgaardmartinchristophermatthew26@navarro.dkrocha.dkfinsenlab.dk

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English including the following documents/attachments:

  1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

  2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

  3. A certified/signed copy of a) Master of Science certificate. If the MSc is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

  4. List of publications.

  5. Teaching portfolio if applicable.

  6. Residence permit and working permit (if available).

Interviews

Interviews will be held in week 38 & 39.

Application deadline

20th of September 2025

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Rigshospitalet wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.