The posting
Job Description
At the laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, we invite applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship investigating how cells adapt the DNA replication machinery when their genome doubles. The project connects a fundamental challenge in development with a common route of cancer evolution. Previous work in the field of cell cycle and genome integrity and experience in working on embryonic/adult stem cells and cancer cell lines are a plus.
The Somyajit lab, based at the Quantitative Cell Biology and Bioimaging research unit at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, has a deep interest in studying regulatory foundations of the cell cycle, DNA replication, and genome surveillance in pathophysiology.
Starting date: 01-01-2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Duration: 3 years as a PhD Student. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in the second week of December 2026.
Research Project and Role
Whole-genome doubling (WGD) gives a cell an extra copy of its entire genome. It can support specialized functions during development, but it is also common in aggressive cancers, where it can promote chromosome instability and treatment resistance. After WGD, cells must copy and maintain twice as much DNA. The replication and chromatin-maintenance machinery may not increase at the same rate, creating a potential capacity bottleneck.
Our recent work identified PAF15 as a dosage-sensitive regulator of PCNA, the sliding clamp that coordinates DNA replication and repair. PAF15 helps retain PCNA on chromatin and supports maturation of the newly copied lagging strand. Its abundance must stay within a narrow range: too little weakens replication, while excess can disrupt PCNA function (PMID: 41606318; Nature. 2026 Mar;651(8105):521-532. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-10011-3).
Building on this work, the PhD project will investigate whether whole-genome doubling creates capacity limits in the machinery that copies and maintains the genome in non-transformed cells, cancer cells and mouse embryonic stem cells, how cells adapt to these limits, and whether the resulting dependencies could provide opportunities to target cancer cells.
The project combines quantitative cell biology, genome engineering and biochemical approaches. Methods will include quantitative image-based cytometry (QIBC), live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, DNA fibre assays, CRISPR-based perturbation, stem-cell culture and differentiation, and chromatin-resolved mass spectrometry.
You will work closely with researchers in the Somyajit group and collaborators at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. SDU provides an international and interdisciplinary research environment with advanced facilities for bioimaging, cell biology, sequencing, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and metabolomics.
The Somyajit group is located at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The department constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment with state-of-the-art facilities for advanced bioimaging, quantitative mechanistic cell biology, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).
Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:
- A master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedicine (the 5+3 program).
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental Cell cycle, DNA replication and Genome integrity.
- Relevant laboratory experience in quantitative imaging and genome editing.
- Know-how in Genome integrity field, stem cell culture, light microscopy, bioinformatics will be considered an advantage.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
For further information please contact Kumar Somyajit ([email protected])
Requirements and programme structure
PhD candidates follow an individual PhD plan including course work, conference participation, and teaching. One semester is typically spent at another research institution - often abroad. The scholarship carries a monthly salary including pension plus office facilities and financial support for conference travels and research visits abroad.
Application, salary etc.
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.
As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process.
SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.
The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period (the 5+3 programme).
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 and date entries.
- 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
- Contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
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.
If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]
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.
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
