PhD fellowship in DNA Replication and Early Mammalian Development at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Halliwell Group at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, is offering a fully funded three-year PhD fellowship. The position is funded through the Novo Nordisk Foundation Hallas-Møller Emerging Investigator Grant and will commence on 1 April 2027.

About the group and research

The Halliwell Group investigates how life successfully begins from a single cell. We study how DNA replication is established during the earliest stages of mammalian development and how failures in this process contribute to genome instability, infertility, and pregnancy loss. Our research combines developmental biology, genome biology, molecular genetics, and embryology with state-of-the-art genomic technologies. We focus on understanding how the maternal and paternal genomes are reprogrammed immediately after fertilization and how this ensures faithful genome duplication during the first embryonic cell divisions.

As a member of the laboratory, you will join an ambitious and collaborative research environment where curiosity, technical innovation, and scientific independence are encouraged. The group is embedded within ICMM, providing access to outstanding facilities for human and mouse embryology, advanced microscopy, genome engineering, transgenic mouse models, and single-cell genomics.

Project description

This PhD project will investigate how DNA replication programmes are established immediately after fertilization and how they are coordinated with changes in chromatin organisation and genome regulation. Using molecular biology, genome engineering, embryology, and single-cell genomic approaches, the project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms ensuring accurate genome duplication at the beginning of life.

The successful candidate will receive extensive training in modern experimental techniques and develop expertise in embryology, genome biology, and functional genomics while working on a highly interdisciplinary project.

Principal supervisor: Dr Jason Halliwell, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, jhalliwell@sund.ku.dk.

Responsibilities

• Complete PhD courses or equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research team.
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project.
• Teach and disseminate your knowledge.
• Write a PhD thesis based on your project.
• Design and carry out an independent research project under supervision.
• Learn and apply modern molecular, cellular, and genomic techniques.
• Work with mammalian cell culture, genome engineering, and embryology.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data.
• Collaborate with researchers across the Department and with international collaborators.

Qualifications

• For candidates with a Danish education: a relevant Master’s degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc).
• For candidates with an education from abroad: a degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ETCS + 120 ECTS MSc), or a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) with academic qualifications at master's level.
• Positive academic evaluation and assessment as the best qualified for the position.
• Strong grade point average.
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
• Previous publications (if any).
• Relevant work experience.
• Other professional activities.
• A curious mindset with a strong interest in developmental biology.
• Genuine enthusiasm for experimental research and scientific discovery.
• Practical laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Experience with one or more of the following is advantageous but not essential (full training will be provided):

• Mammalian cell culture.
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering.
• Fluorescence microscopy.
• Next-generation sequencing.
• Bioinformatics.
• Mouse models or embryology.

Above all, we seek a curious, motivated researcher who enjoys solving challenging biological problems and is eager to learn new techniques.

Work environment

The place of employment is the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate will join a newly established research group at an exciting stage of its development, with the opportunity to help shape its scientific direction. You will receive close mentorship, broad technical training, and opportunities to build an international research network.

The Department provides a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment with excellent core facilities, including advanced microscopy, transgenic animal services, embryo manipulation platforms, and integrated single-cell genomics. You will work alongside researchers studying chromosome biology, developmental biology, stem cells, and reproductive medicine, creating many opportunities for collaboration.

Pay and schedule

• Average weekly working hours: 37 hours per week.
• Position type: Fixed-term, limited to 3 years.
• Start date: 1 April 2027 or thereafter.
• Monthly salary: Approximately 31,800 DKK (roughly 4,250 EUR as of August 2026 level) plus 18.07% pension.