The Department of Neurology, Department of Clinical Institute, SDU/Odense University Hospital and Neurobiology Research, Department of Molecular Medicine at SDU and are looking for applicants for a PhD scholarship within the field of Neurology.

We are looking for a person with a relevant degree in Medicine (MD).

Research environment

In our laboratory we are studying cardiometabolic diseases (MetSy), such as stroke to try to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to impaired functional outcome.

We have one main research objective, which is to study the neuro-inflammatory response that occurs following ischemic stroke with the aim of contributing to the development of novel therapies to improve outcome for stroke patients.

We work closely with clinical translational research labs on neurovascular disease. This is a joint project with Dept. of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, where part of the project will take place.

Project description

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Early reperfusion and admission for stroke unit care are imperative to improve the final clinical outcome. However, this re-establishment is only offered to approximately 20% of all patients in Denmark.

The induced ischemia initiates a cascade of complex responses that may lead to chronic inflammation. In this project, we aim to pave the way for a paradigm shift in IS treatment, centered on the vision that active resolution of post-stroke inflammation and improved remyelination processes can be obtained by blocking detrimental and boosting pro-regenerative inflammatory processes.

We will characterize the sex-specific effects of MetSy on post-ischemic stroke recovery in human ischemic stroke cases and help identify promising therapeutic compounds to improve functional outcomes in ischemic stroke cases with MetSy-related comorbidities.

The PhD candidate is expected to work on investigating how sex-dependent low-grade systemic inflammation caused by MetSy affects neurological outcome in IS patients. This will be performed in clinical cohorts, using clinical and paraclinical data and performing analyses on sex-specific correlations between metabolic biomarkers in the blood and cognitive scores, as wells as between biomarkers and MRI evaluations of lesion size and edema formation.

Qualifications

The candidate must hold a degree in Medicine, be within 1-2 years after MD graduation.

Danish authorization as an MD is a prerequisite and the applicant must be fluent in reading and speaking Danish.

The candidate is expected to fulfil the criteria for enrolment as a Ph.D. student at the University of Southern Denmark. For more information, please visit:

(https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/phd/phd_skoler/phdskolensundhedsvidenskab/phd_students/getting_started/qualification_requirements).

Experience with neurology is an advantage. The candidate is expected to have some degree of clinical experience.  

The project is a collaboration between the University of Copenhagen and the University of Milano, and the candidate is expected to spend time at Dept. of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

For further information about the project, please contact:

Professor Helle Hvilsted Nilsen

Department of Neurology and Department of Clinical Research

Odense University Hospital and SDU

E-mail: helle.hvilsted.nielsen@rsyd.dk

Professor Kate Lykke Lambertsen

Neurobiology Research

Department of Molecular Medicine

University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

Tlf. +45 6550 3806   E-mail: klambertsen@health.sdu.dk

Applications must include:

• At letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages)

• Detailed CV, including personal contact information

• Certified copy of diploma (Master’s degree in a relevant field)

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

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 January 1^st 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)

The terms of employment as a salaried PhD Research Fellow are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.