PhD Position in Advanced Tissue Models and Spatial Transcriptomics

We invite applications from highly motivated candidates for a fully funded 3-year position focused on bioimaging, 3D skin models, and spatial transcriptomics, starting September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, at the Department of Clinical Immunology, OUH.

Project Overview

This PhD position is part of the LEO Foundation-funded research project “Exploring Autoimmune Skin Diseases with Immune-Integrated 3D Skin Models”, a collaborative effort led by Prof. Jonathan Brewer (BMB, SDU), Dr. Mike Barnkob and Prof. Torben Barington (Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital - OUH).

The project seeks to develop physiologically relevant 3D skin-on-a-chip models incorporating immune components to better understand Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). CLE is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by immune-mediated damage to skin tissues, particularly under environmental stress such as UV exposure or mechanical stimuli.

The candidate will contribute to:

• Cultivating and characterizing complex skin models composed of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells.
• Applying MERFISH spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing to study gene expression and immune responses in the models.
• Using bioimaging, immunofluorescence, and molecular assays to investigate immune cell–skin cell interactions and CLE disease mechanisms.
• Collaborating with a 2-year postdoctoral researcher, forming a tight research unit bridging clinical immunology and experimental bioimaging.

The project offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment across two internationally recognized groups at SDU and OUH, equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure in bioimaging, spatial transcriptomics, and T-cell biology.

Qualifications

We are looking for a dedicated and ambitious candidate with:

Essential:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biomedicine, immunology, or related life sciences.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and/or tissue models and good aspectic techniques.
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• It is a requirement that the candidate can be enrolled in the PhD School at Faculty of Healthy, University of Southern Denmark.

Desirable:

• Experience in advanced microscopy, immunofluorescence, or tissue engineering.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with transcriptomics, single-cell data, or spatial analysis.
• Interest in autoimmune diseases and translational research.

We Offer

• A 3-year full-time PhD position in an exciting, interdisciplinary, and internationally connected environment.
• Supervision by experts in bioimaging and clinical immunology.
• Access to world-class equipment at DaMBIC and OUH.
• Opportunity for research stays and collaboration with national and international partners.

Application Details

Deadline: August 1, 2025.
Start Date: September 1, 2025 (negotiable) or when candidate is enrolled in the PhD program at the Faculty of Health, SDU.
Duration: 3 years
Location: OUH (Odense), and SDU (BMB)
Salary: In accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations)

Application must include (in English, PDF format):

1. Motivated letter of application (max. two pages)
2. CV including personal details, education, publications, and relevant experience
3. Copies of academic diplomas and transcripts (BSc + MSc)
4. At least one signed reference letters (sent directly or attached)

For further information, please contact:
Prof. Jonathan Brewer (brewer@bmb.sdu.dk) or
Dr. Mike Barnkob (Mike.Bogetofte.Barnkob@rsyd.dk)

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, gender, age, or personal circumstances.

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  OUH Odense Universitetshospital, Odense
• Kontaktperson
  Berit Antonsen
  Berit.Antonsen@rsyd.dk
  21811519
• Adresse
  J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Indgang 5, 1. sal, 5000 Odense C
• Stillingstype
  Molekylærbiolog
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  01-09-2025
• Regionens jobnr.
  232892
• Quick-nr.
  478301
• Indrykningsdato
  23-06-2025
• Ansøgningsfrist
  01-08-2025