PhD scholarship in Reproductive Toxicology
If you’re interested in how environmental chemicals can impact reproductive development, then this PhD is for you. We are seeking a candidate for a 3-year PhD to study how fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can disrupt reproductive development. This project is particularly concerned with development of genitalia and how disrupted signaling early in life can cause reproductive diseases such as genital malformations. Genital malformations are among the most common congenital disorders in newborn babies. Up to 1 in 125 boys, are affected by defective penis development and are born with e.g. hypospadias; a displacement of the urethral opening. What molecular mechanisms are involved in hypospadias formation and how chemical exposures can contribute to this disease etiology we know little about.
This project will use a variety of approaches, including in vivo rodent studies followed by molecular and histopathological characterization. It also involves systematic analysis of available literature to develop causal pathway descriptions that are relevant for chemical risk assessment. You will be part of the research group for Molecular & Reproductive Toxicology at DTU Food, which is involved in both basic research and science-based advisory work for regulatory authorities.
This PhD project has a strong focus on deciphering what molecular pathways are affected by chemical exposure and how this translates into disease causation in animals and humans, with an overall aim of improving testing and regulation of chemicals internationally. Specific tasks will include, but not be limited to:
- Be involved with in utero rat toxicity studies and carry out downstream analyses.
- Analyze histopathological changes in rat offspring with focus on reproductive systems.
- Conduct ex vivo organ cultures to study effects of chemical exposure to genital development.
- Characterize molecular pathways involved in genital development and disease etiologies.
- Develop Adverse Outcome Pathways for chemical risk assessment purposes.
Responsibilities and qualifications
You are expected to carry out independent research under guidance of your supervisors. Other responsibilities include:
- Complete courses required for completion of the PhD program at DTU (~30 ECTS)
- Write scientific papers and present your work at institutional, national and international meetings and conferences
- Undertake a research placement abroad for 2-4 months.
- Write a PhD thesis for the completion of the PhD candidature
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.
Other desirable qualifications include:
- Strong English language skills, verbal and written.
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Previous experience with laboratory work, e.g. cell culture, molecular techniques, and animal studies.
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.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by a panel consisting of the supervisors Terje Svingen and Monica Draskau, and possibly other members of the research group.
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. The starting date is Summer-Fall 2022, with specific date according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Terje Svingen at tesv@food.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Food at www.food.dtu.dk/english and the research group at www.food.dtu.dk/english/Research/Molecular-and-Reproductive-Toxicology.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Sunday 22 May 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma including official description of grading scale
- List of 2-3 references that may be contacted by the assessment panel during the interview process.
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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The National Food Institute works within six technical focus areas: Biotechnology, nutrition, food quality, food safety, food technology and environment & human health. Activities cover a wide range of food products throughout the entire food chain from farm to table, comprising both research activities and research-based consulting and teaching.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.
Apply here
