Declaration of interest regarding PhD project:
The Molecular Endocrinology Department (KMEB), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 3-year PhD scholarship for a highly motivated candidate interested in working at the intersection of cancer biology and endocrinology. The project aims to investigate stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) as a key mediator of adipose tissue–tumor crosstalk in obesity-related cancer.
The project is part of a larger collaborative research initiative, the Molecular Mechanisms Linking Obesity and Cancer (MMLOC) network, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Though this grant, 2/3 of the PhD salary has been secured.
Employment is therefore conditional upon the successful enrolment of the candidate as a PhD student at the PhD School at Faculty of Health Sciences, and the awarding of a one-year Faculty Scholarship.
Research environment
The PhD project will be anchored at KMEB, a research unit focused on clinical and translational endocrinology, under the supervision of Associate Professor Rikke Hjortebjerg and Professor Jan Frystyk. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the laboratory of co-supervisor Professor Henrik Ditzel, Cancer and Inflammation Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, SDU.
The candidate will work across two complementary research groups with access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Together, the groups provide a multidisciplinary research environment with close integration of clinical and experimental research. The teams are internationally oriented and offer a supportive and inclusive research culture.
You can read more about KMEB here: https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/kmeb
Project description
Our research centers around the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, a key hormonal regulator in several diseases. The project focuses on stanniocalcin-2 (STC2), an IGF system member that is linked to poor outcomes in most obesity-related cancers but paradoxically predicts favorable prognosis in postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.
The aim is to examine how STC2 effects are modulated by obesity and estrogen signaling and how it regulates IGF-2/insulin receptor pathways in the tumor–adipose microenvironment. To establish clinically relevant models, the candidate will generate patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models with human tumor tissue and participate in establishing patient-derived organoids and 3D co-cultures. These systems will be interrogated using genetically engineered STC2 and PAPP-A variants and analyzed with advanced sequencing, spatial, and single-cell omics.
The PhD student will:
Establish and analyze PDX mouse models of ER+ breast cancer.
Sample and process tumor and tumor-adjacent/distant adipose tissue from breast cancer patients.
Assess STC2 activity, IGF-2 signaling, and tumor growth under estrogen-controlled conditions.
Help analyze molecular data generated through sequencing and omics-based approaches.
Qualifications
The applicant should possess the following qualifications:
A master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in molecular biology, biomedicine, or related fields.
Preferably prior experience with endocrinology or cancer research.
An interest in working with animal models (mice) is a necessity.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
A motivated, independent, and quality-oriented approach to research, with enthusiasm for learning new scientific disciplines and methodologies.
For further information about the project, please contact:
Rikke Hjortebjerg
KMEB, Department of Clinical Research
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
E-mail: rhjortebjerg@health.sdu.dk
Applications must include:
• At letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) - upload under “Application form”.
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Certified copy of diploma (Master’s degree in a relevant field)
Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Closing date September 1, 2026
Successful candidates will be asked to send an application to the PhD Secretariat, Faculty of Health Sciences, to be enrolled as PhD students.
The PhD programme will be carried out in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order)
Salary and Working Conditions at SDU
PhD students employed at SDU are employed as PhD fellows according to the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations in public employment (AC) agreement.
Salary and any salary supplement are paid according to your seniority level and as negotiated with your union representative. The base salary (excluding 18.07% pension contribution) is DKK 374,912.98.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.