PhD scholarship in Multi-target acute GPCR inhibitors for migraine delivered via intranasal mRNA-encoded binders

If you are motivated by hands-on experimental research and want to help develop the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics, this PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of protein engineering, mRNA delivery, and translational neuroscience.

At Technical University of Denmark (DTU), you will join an ambitious and collaborative research environment at DTU Bioengineering focused on engineering biological solutions to major health challenges.

Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be to experimentally develop and validate multi-target GPCR inhibitors using advanced wet lab approaches. The position is primarily laboratory-based, with complementary data analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Clone, express, and characterize therapeutic minibinders
• Develop and optimize synthetic mRNA constructs
• Perform cell-based functional GPCR assays
• Conduct protein purification and biochemical characterization
• Evaluate biological activity in relevant in vitro systems
• Contribute to in vivo validation studies (e.g., electrophysiological readouts)
• Analyze data and publish results in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications 
You must:

• Hold (or are close to completing) an MSc degree in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or similar
• Have strong hands-on experience with molecular biology and protein expression
• Have experience with cell culture and functional assays
• Demonstrate structured experimental planning and independence
• Are highly motivated and able to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Communicate fluently in English (written and spoken)

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date will be 1 June 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins (tpaje@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 April 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.