3-year PhD Fellowship in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (BONKOLAB), Rigshospitalet

Clinical research project on Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome after posterior fossa tumor surgery in children

We are seeking a highly motivated medical doctor for a 3-year full-time PhD fellowship at the Childhood Cancer Laboratory (BONKOLAB), Rigshospitalet. The project focuses on Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (CMS) in children treated for brain tumors and combines clinical interventional research with international research coordination.

About the project
The project builds on an existing and partially funded protocol for a large international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical intervention trial investigating whether a pharmacological agent may improve recovery in children with Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (CMS).

CMS occurs in approximately 25% of children undergoing posterior fossa tumor resection and is characterized by postoperative reduction or loss of speech, affective symptoms, and cerebellar deficits such as ataxia and hypotonia. Symptoms typically develop within days after surgery and may persist for weeks or months, with substantial long-term neurocognitive consequences. No evidence-based medical treatment currently exists.

The planned multicenter RCT will enroll children aged 2–18 years with newly diagnosed CMS. Participants will be randomized to an active investigational treatment or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind design. The primary endpoint is time to recovery of intelligible speech assessed by centrally blinded raters. Secondary endpoints include changes in affective symptoms, ataxia, hypotonia, broader communication measures, and safety data.

The overarching goal is to establish the first evidence-based medical intervention for CMS and to improve postoperative recovery in children with posterior fossa tumors.

The position comprises four main areas of responsibility:

1) Completion and operationalization of the protocol for a randomized, controlled interventional study evaluating a potential pharmacological treatment for Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome / Posterior Fossa Syndrome.

2) Preparation of grant applications for initiation and implementation of the RCT.

3) Coordination of the European prospective observational study European Study of Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (PMID: 34624241, 28637445; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02300766).

4) A full PhD project based on prospective clinical, radiological, and molecular data.
The fellow may also contribute to organising the Posterior Fossa Society Global Meeting in Copenhagen, April 2026.

Funding for the PhD salary and initial project start-up is already secured.

Supervision and research environment
The project is based at BONKOLAB. The supervisory structure includes:

• Principal supervisor: Senior consultant in pediatric neuro-oncology (for further information, contact: rene.mathiasen@regionh.dk)
• Co-supervisor: Postdoctoral researcher in pediatric neuro-oncology (contact: jonathan.kjaer.groenbaek@regionh.dk)
• International co-supervision from leading collaborating centres in Europe

An international steering committee will be formed with representatives from major paediatric neuro-oncology centres, including sites in Liverpool, Memphis, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, Düsseldorf, and other Ped-ONE network institutions.

A period of international research training is anticipated during the PhD program.

The fellow will also undertake a 2-month clinical rotation at the Pediatric Oncology Department, Rigshospitalet.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in medicine (MD). Clinical experience in paediatrics, neurology, neurosurgery, or oncology is advantageous but not required.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong written and oral proficiency in English.
• Programming skills in R are an advantage, but not required.
• Obtain a Danish FELASA C certificate within the first year of employment.

Our expectations
We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates a strong interest in clinical trials and international collaborative research. You are analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of systematically managing a large and complex research protocol. We expect you to be able to work independently while recognizing the limits of your competence and seeking supervision appropriately. You approach grant writing with enthusiasm, and you are motivated to engage in data analysis and manuscript preparation.

What we offer
As a PhD fellow, you will join a vibrant research group, with strong international connections. BONKOLAB offers a supportive supervisory environment, frequent meetings in the early phase, and flexible ongoing supervision. You will work alongside other PhD fellows and medical students with access to weekly research meetings and daily informal scientific exchange.

You will become part of a well established reserach infrastructure and an extensive European network across more than 13 countries. This provides a unique opportunity to build a strong academic and clinical network in paediatric neuro-oncology.

Evaluation of applicants
The selection of the right PhD candidate will be a two-phase process. After an initial screening of applicants, you will be invited for an interview. A maximum of 5 applicants will proceed to a test process, after which all will be invited to a second interview.

Employment terms
Salary and employment terms follow the agreement for Region H.
Positions at the Juliane Marie Centre are subject to a child protection certificate. Therefore, it is a requirement for employment that you have a clean child protection certificate. The center will obtain the certificate from the National Police with the applicant’s consent.
Rigshospitalet is a smoke-free workplace.
Rigshospitalet is part of the Capital Region of Denmark.

Application procedure
A written application explaining your interest in the project, along with your CV, should be submitted through the LINK no later than 5 January 2026. Interviews will take place and finalized in January.

For further information on the research group, see the websites

https://www.5c.nu/en

https://www.rigshospitalet.dk/english/departments/juliane-marie-centre/department-of-paediatrics-and-adolescent-medicine/paediatric-oncology-research-laboratory/

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  Rigshospitalet
• Kontaktperson
  René Mathiasen
  rene.mathiasen@regionh.dk
• Adresse
  Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø
• Stillingstype
  Læge
• Speciale
  Pædiatri
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  01-03-2026
• Regionens jobnr.
  265831
• Quick-nr.
  484967
• Indrykningsdato
  09-12-2025
• Ansøgningsfrist
  05-01-2026