PhD fellow, Tissue Architecture Lab, Novo Nordisk reNEW Center

A PhD fellowship is available in the group of Mariaceleste Aragona at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, commencing as soon as possible.

Information on the department can be found at: https://bmi.ku.dk/english/about_department/

Information on the Aragona lab can be found at: https://renew.ku.dk/research/aragona-group/

Our group and research

The team studies the molecular mechanisms that dictate stem cell identity and govern stem cell fate in regenerating adult epithelia. The group aims to understand how different cell types coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function, with the long-term goal of developing replacement organs for regenerative therapies. This research project will involve the development of standardized methods aimed at high-content drug screening and the study of the molecular mechanisms of tissue regeneration.

Job description:

We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a strong background in stem cell biology and tissue culture expertise. The candidate will define protocol for the stem cell self-renewal maintenance, expansion and differentiation of in vitro epithelial culture in 2D and 3D from tissue-specific human stem cells to generate in vitro models of the adult bladder urothelium and develop functional drug screening approaches. Collaboration with researchers within the group and the center, as well as external collaborators, will also be essential to drive the project forward effectively. The candidate is expected to integrate into and adhere to the group’s daily operational routines, including shared responsibilities, scheduling practices, and collaborative workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision with the goal of developing high-content screening approaches to study epithelia regeneration.
• Collaborate on complementary projects involving multi-omics investigation of tissue regeneration in the bladder urothelium.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project.
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must hold a M.Sc. in Biotechnology or related field in life science.
• Essential: Documented hands-on experience with cell culture, differentiation of epithelial cells and barrier functions assays.
• Essential: Candidates must have extensive experience in 2D and 3D culture of epithelial cells and organoids, and a strong background in cell imaging.
• Essential: Documented hands-on experience in histological practices for analysis of protein expression across tissues.
• Essential: Previous experience in flow cytometry and image-based sorting.
• Desirable: Previous experience in the development of screening approaches.
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment within a collegial atmosphere emphasizing academic excellence and responsibility. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art facilities and instruments for flow cytometry, imaging, next-generation sequencing and cell engineering.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is as soon as possible.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 31,200 DKK/Roughly 4,170 EUR (November 2025 level) plus pension. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.

The application must include:

1. Motivation letter (it should describe your long-term research vision, the reason for applying to be part of our team and why you think you are the right candidate to fill this position).
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills for the position.
3. List of two references (full address, incl. email and phone number).
4. List of publications.
5. A certified/signed copy of the Master of Science certificate. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database/?set_language=en. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor, Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona mariaceleste.aragona@sund.ku.dk

How to apply

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

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.

Assessment procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk

The applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Application deadline: 14 April 2026, 23.59pm CET