PhD Scholarship in RNA Therapeutics - DTU Health Tech

The Department of Health Technology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Health Tech) invites applications for a PhD fellowship in the field of RNA therapeutics and biomaterial-based drug delivery. The position is part of a larger interdisciplinary research initiative aiming to develop targeted therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) by combining antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology with innovative biomaterial systems and cell therapy approaches. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team with extensive expertise in RNA biology, drug delivery, and translational pharmacology.

The PhD project will focus on testing and optimizing antisense oligonucleotides in preclinical in vitro models, as well as formulating these molecules into a novel biodegradable delivery system developed at DTU. Specifically, the fellow will:

• Evaluate ASO efficacy in rat-derived macrophages and cartilage cells using cell culture, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and inflammatory stimulation protocols.
• Incorporate lead ASOs into the DTU-patented BioMATA biomaterial and perform characterization of formulation stability, release kinetics, and functionality over time.
• Participate in the development of a robust protocol for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery in a rat model of OA, in collaboration with clinical partners.

The research is highly interdisciplinary and involves close collaboration with chemists, biologists, clinicians, and engineers. The PhD fellow will be primarily based at DTU Health Tech and perform animal-related work in collaboration with Hvidovre Hospital and the DTU BioFacility.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who holds a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.

You’ll bring a strong background in cell culture and molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, ELISA, and RNA isolation. If you have experience working with primary cell cultures or rodent models, that’s a definite advantage.

We’re hoping you’re someone who’s curious about biomaterial development, drug delivery, and translational medicine. You communicate fluently in English and thrive both when working independently and as part of a team.

To be considered for the role, you’ll need to hold a FELASA ABD license or an equivalent certification. 

You must have 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.

Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

For additional information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Anja Holm, mary23qmcgrathahono@brown-larson.dkperez.dkdtu.dkdominguez.dk or garciabrettwrightcynthiaanja.holm.nordvang@nelson-sanchez.dklee.dkregionh.dk . 

You can read more about the Department of Health Technology and the section for Cell and Drug Technologies at www.healthtech.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A motivation letter (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• FELASA ABD certificate
• Contact details of 1-2 academic references
• A list of publications (if applicable)

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Health Tech

With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology, DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrow’s health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech’s expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Digital Health, Personalized Therapy, Precision Diagnostics, and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD Students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.