PhD stipend in “Experimental Dissection of Human Adipose Tissue Heterogeneity in Cardiometabolic Diseases”

The Loft Group at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a PhD position focused on experimental approaches to uncover mechanisms linking adipose tissue heterogeneity to cardiometabolic disease. The position is available from February 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Research Project
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for metabolic complications such as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving inter-individual variability remain poorly understood.

This PhD project will focus on experimental validation of cellular states and signaling pathways identified by single-cell transcriptomics in human adipose tissue in the context of metabolic disease. The candidate will:

• Perform primary human preadipocyte and adipose stromal progenitor cell (ASPC) cultures.
• Apply gain- and loss-of-function strategies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, siRNA, overexpression systems).
• Conduct ligand stimulation assays and analyze downstream transcriptional and functional responses.
• Use advanced imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular assays to characterize cellular phenotypes.
• Perform in vivo studies in mouse models of obesity and metabolic disease

The Loft Group
Anne Loft is a recipient of a Lundbeck Foundation Fellowship from 2023 and a Sapere Aude Starting Grant from 2025. Research in the Loft group is particularly focused on understanding how the adipose tissue serves as a critical signaling hub in the context of metabolic diseases, such as MASLD and cardiovascular diseases. For this, we apply a range of single cell genomics technologies on clinical biopsies combined with bioinformatics, and a range of targeting strategies in mouse disease models.

As a partner in the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS), a key research focus in the group is understanding cellular diversity and communication determining differential interindividual phenotypic outcomes of obesity.

Research environment
The project will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary expertise in the ATLAS Center of Excellence. The work will primarily be carried out in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, but, depending on the interest of the student, may also involve research exchange to collaborating laboratories. The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on various aspects of gene regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular identity, differentiation and metabolism. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

PhD stipend qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or related Life Sciences.
• Strong hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques 
• Experience with mouse handling, metabolic phenotyping, or tissue processing is a strong advantage. 
• Experience with CRISPR-based genome editing, viral transduction, or functional assays is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with adipose tissue biology or metabolic disease models is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

We Offer

• One three-year PhD positions in a highly stimulating, supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Enrollment in PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program 
• Training in a wide range of skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.
• Research exchange to collaborating institution, depending on the interest of the PhD student
• Mentoring and career development
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office and department. 

For further information on the projects and positions, please contact Asst. Professor Anne Loft (anlo@bmb.sdu.dk)

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).
Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages).
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades (if Master’s diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor)
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: cwl@bmb.sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline. 

Applications will be evaluated by partner in ATLAS, Associate Prof. Søren Fisker Schmidt. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.