The Frankel group is seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student to join us at the Danish Cancer Institute. Our research group comprises a young, international, collaborative team that investigates how dysregulation of cellular homeostasis contributes to tumorigenesis. In doing so, we seek in-depth molecular understanding of cellular stress-response mechanisms including autophagy, protein aggregation and proteasome signaling, with the aim of exploiting our knowledge for new therapeutic strategies in the clinic.

The PhD project
The successful candidate will join an exciting project focused on revealing and characterizing the molecular regulation of autophagy and its contribution to tumor development and progression. Specifically, the project will focus on new roles for ubiquitin signaling enzymes and ubiquitin-related control of selected substrate degradation by autophagy. The project combines the use of state-of-the-art microscopy, biochemical assays, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA sequencing, proteomics and bioinformatics. Importantly, the candidate will work broadly with cellular models, combining these with in vivo mouse models and analysis of patient-derived material, to bridge the in vitro mechanistic analyses to a patient-near context. Our work is interdisciplinary and involves a strong network of national and international collaborators. Within the group we value a cooperative and friendly atmosphere, and the successful candidate will work in collaboration with other group members.

Start: January 2024

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly driven, hard-working and enthusiastic candidate with the following qualifications:

• A master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, human/cell biology or similar
• Experience at the bench with basic molecular and cellular biology-related techniques is required
• Experience with confocal/electron/high-throughput and other types of microscopy is an advantage
• Bioinformatic skills/experience with handling omics datasets is an advantage
• Experience with mouse models is an advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• The ability to work in a collaborative, international environment, both independently and as part of a team

We offer
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and high-profile international research environment. The laboratories are equipped with modern interior and state-of-the-art technology, located in a pleasant and beautiful area near central Copenhagen. Our research facilities include a number of core facilities, including a high-end microscopy and animal facilities, as well as histology and bioinformatics. You will join a dynamic working atmosphere, with weekly seminars, invited speakers, a young researcher association, as well as strong administrative and technical support. We offer several benefits for the personnel, such as an excellent canteen, a daily selection of free fruit and sport activities. The everyday working language in the laboratory is English. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and you will be a part of the Momed PhD school.

Terms of salary and employment
We offer a fully-funded three-year PhD contract. The position is full-time and salary will be provided according to the current agreements between the Danish Cancer Society and the relevant trade union.

Additional information
More information can be obtained directly from group leader Lisa Frankel, email: frankel@cancer.dk.
See a description of the group: https://www.cancer.dk/research/dci-research/rna-and-autophagy/

Application and closing date
The deadline for application is October 6th, 2023.
The application should be written in English and must be submitted electronically via the link 'Apply for position' below.
Do not submit the application by email.

The application should contain:
- A motivated letter of application (max. 1 page)
- A short curriculum vitae
- A copy of the MSc diploma and University transcripts
- 1-2 references/letters of recommendation from previous supervisors


One of three Danes contract cancer at some point in their lives. Two of three have a family member suffering from cancer. Faced with these numbers, the Danish Cancer Society aims to unite the Danish population in a strong, active community against cancer, and you can help make an important difference!

As an association, the Danish Cancer Society recognizes the value of not all of us being the same – diversity makes us smarter and better. Therefore, we encourage everyone who can see themselves in this position to apply for it. We are interested in you and your personal and professional skills, and we look forward to hearing from you. We promise you good colleagues who will welcome you and help you navigate through your new everyday life in our wide-ranging organization and association. We are committed to ensuring that you have an exciting and good working life with us at the Danish Cancer Society with an important purpose as well as professionalism, community and flexibility in various ways. And, of course, the working hours are smoke-free!

If you want to know more about working with us at the Danish Cancer Society, we encourage you to go to www.cancer.dk/om-os/job-og-karriere (right click to translate into English).