PhD fellowship in companion animal rehabilitation & sports medicine at the Depar

We are offering a PhD fellowship in companion animal rehabilitation & sports medicine commencing 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research
Rehabilitation and sports medicine is a multi-disciplinary field that combines pain management and rehabilitation of, for example, neurological and orthopedic patients. The PhD fellow will be integrated into the rehabilitation group as well as the neurology and specialist surgery groups within the Section for Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, and Clinical Specialities based at The Companion Animal Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Campus (Copenhagen).

The PhD fellow will join a team of highly dedicated and enthusiastic researchers and clinicians with a strong network of leading national and international veterinary specialists. Our current research focus is clinically based, with a strong focus on recognition and management of chronic pain in dogs and horses.

The topic of the present PhD project focuses on myofascial pathology and pain, including investigations into underlying pathological mechanisms and physiotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of myofascial pain. The project will be conducted within the rehabilitation departments of both the Companion Animal and Large Animal Teaching Hospitals, University of Copenhagen.

Project description
Whereas rehabilitation was previously focused primarily on joints, tissue healing, and postoperative recovery, current trends emphasise chronic pain, functional capacity, and optimisation of quality of life. Companion animals are living longer, and—much like humans—are increasingly affected by lifestyle‑related pain and musculoskeletal tension, such as nonspecific back pain, which has historically been overlooked.

In human medicine, the past two decades have seen substantial focus on the role of fascia in chronic pain and functional impairment, accompanied by intensive research efforts. In veterinary medicine, however, knowledge of fascial anatomy, pathology, and clinical significance remains limited, and only a small number of researchers worldwide currently engaged in this field. Notably, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is internationally recognized as a global leader in fascia research and education.

The overall aim of the present PhD project is to advance understanding and clinical management of myofascial pain in companion and large animals. Specifically, the project will:

1. investigate myofascial pain pathology using ultrasound, focusing on identifying structural and functional characteristics associated with myofascial dysfunction
2. document the effect of physiotherapeutic treatment of myofascial pain through quantitative gait analyses and owner-reported assessments of quality of life

conducted within in a prospective longitudinal cohort study of dogs with presumed myofascial pain. The project will primarily focus on dogs; however, opportunities may arise to extend methods or comparative insights to large animals, depending on clinical caseload and interest.

Principal supervisor isProfessor James Miles, email: jami@sund.ku.dk, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Local co-supervisors will be DVM, European specialist Anne Vitger and Associate professor Vibeke Sødring Elbrønd, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

Start: August 1st 2026

Duration: 3 years.

Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at the Faculty of Medical Sciences are:

• Carrying out an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments, including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience in teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis based on your project.

For the right candidate, there may be the possibility of extending the position and, in addition to the PhD research, work part-time as a clinician in our Companion Animal Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine clinic, potentially as a resident of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR-small animal track). You will be responsible for managing in-house and referral rehabilitation cases, including physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment, initially under supervision, and gradually taking on independent case responsibility as your clinical competences develop.

Based at the University Hospital for Companion Animals, this component of the position includes both clinical work and teaching of veterinary students. Teaching responsibilities include practical demonstrations and theoretical instruction for both small and large groups.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Candidates must have authorization to practice veterinary medicine in Denmark or be eligible to obtain Danish authorization upon admission.

We are seeking applicants with competencies in the following areas:

• Documented clinical experience from a larger veterinary animal clinic/hospital including experience with on-call work and coordinating treatment pathways.
• Documented experience in diagnostics and therapy within rehabilitation and sports medicine cases.
• Interest in teaching, strong pedagogical skills, and preferably documented teaching experience.
• Candidates wishing to enter the residency program of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (small animals) will be preferred.

Additional important criteria are:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project, including clinical experience with rehabilitation and sport medicine practice in companion animals and/or horses.
• Any previous research experience within rehabilitation or sports medicine.
• A curious mindset with a strong interest in developing skills in myofascial physiotherapy, chiropractic and acupuncture.
• Ability to communicate with pet owners in Danish or another Scandinavian language.
• Ability to maintain an overview, independently plan their own tasks in collaboration with colleagues and students, and manage clinical practice workflow.
• Strong communication skills, a proactive approach, excellent teamwork abilities, and comfort working as part of a team.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Frederiksberg Campus, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and a state-of-the-art Companion Animal Hospital.

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 August 1st 2026, or after agreement.

The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s success­ful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant and supervisors in cooperation.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the faculty’s rules on achieving the degree.

Salary, pension, and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

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

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

3. Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. 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: Recognition and transparency of qualifications — Uddannelses- og Forskningsstyrelsen. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science

4. Publication list (if available).

Application deadline: 30 April 2026, 23.59pm CET
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.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You find information about the recruitment process at: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

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

Interviews are expected to be held in the end of May.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.