PhD fellowship or Postdoc in brain tumor bioinformatics
We are offering a PhD fellowship or Postdoc in brain tumor bioinformatics commencing in March 2026.
Our group and research
The selected candidate will be part of professor, consultant neuropathologist Bjarne Winther Kristensen’s research group (https://www.bric.ku.dk/research-groups/kristensen-group/). Bjarne Winther Kristensen will be the principal supervisor. A main interest of the group is how the tumor microenvironment influences brain tumor aggressiveness and therapy response and how this differs across types, subtypes and regions of brain tumors. Most of our projects focus on glioblastoma.
Your job
You will join a multi‑disciplinary research team that works with both patient tumour tissue, experimental in‑vitro and in‑vivo brain tumour models and advanced bioinformatics.
The main tasks in the PhD or postdoc project will be to bioinformatically investigate tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment in histologically distinct glioblastoma patient samples and to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes. Part of the project will also include analysis of samples from patient‑derived animal models. The project uses cutting‑edge spatial transcriptomics technologies that enable gene expression to be measured directly within intact tumour sections, preserving the spatial relationships between malignant, stromal and immune cells. The ideal candidate should have a background in biological sciences and experience in either data analysis of high‑plex spatial transcriptomics or single‑cell/nuclei RNA sequencing or experience in R or Python.
The candidate is required to have documented experience with the area of the PhD/postdoc project. She or he should be self‑motivated and able to coordinate multiple collaborations and drive the project forward.
Start
March 2026
Duration
3 years
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to an MD or a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project, e.g. human biology, neuroimmunology and bioinformatics. Please note that the master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (two years). If the applicant has performed a Ph.D., the Ph.D. thesis should be relevant for the subject area of the project.
Other Important Criteria Are

The grade point average achieved
Professional qualifications relevant to the project
Previous publications
Relevant work experience
Other professional activities
A curious mind‑set with a strong interest in brain tumour biology
Language skills

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and the Bartholin Institute, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and platforms for spatial analysis.
Terms of employment

Fixed‑term position limited to a period of 3 years
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours
Salary, pension and employment conditions are in accordance with the Danish Region’s guidelines

Questions
For specific information about the PhD or postdoc fellowship, please contact professor Bjarne Kristensen, email: bjarne.winther.kristensen.01@regionh.dk.
General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/.
Application process
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ before 31 December 2025, 23:59 CET.
Required Documents (in PDF‑format)

Motivation letter (1‑2 pages maximum) describing your relevant expertise, research interest and career plans
CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other relevant qualifications
Certified copies of:

Ph.D. certificate (or supervisor’s statement if pending)
Master’s degree


Academic transcripts for relevant degrees
Complete list of publications
Optional: Letter(s) of recommendation

Note: We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
Recruitment Process

Short‑listed candidates will be invited for an on‑site or virtual interview
All applicants will be notified once the selection process is completed.

Contact
Bjarne Winther Kristensen
E‑mail: msf705@ku.dk
Application deadline: 31‑12‑2025
Employment start: 15‑03‑2026
Working hours: Full time
Department/Location: BRIC
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