Section for Computational and RNA Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in statistical modelling for large-scale transcriptomic analysis in the field of RNA biology. The project is part of a research project which is financed by The Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Start date is expected to be 15 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The PhD student will work on building advanced statistical modelling and probabilistic deep learning approaches for deciphering post-transcriptional gene regulation.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates to work within the field(s) intersecting statistics, bioinformatics and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Applicants can have a background from (bio-)statistics, with emphasis on advanced statistical modelling and preferably working with large scale data within biology or health sciences.

• Strong understanding of statistical modelling
• Strong interest in training skills in deep learning
• Experience in bioinformatics including genomic sequence analysis
• Basic understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation
• Strong skills in R and/or Python, including packages used for advanced modelling

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The Rennie group is a part of Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and high performance computing systems.

The principal supervisor is Associate Professor Sarah Rennie, Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, sarah.rennie@bio.ku.dk



Qualifications needed
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biostatistics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in build new methods and tools for advancing knowledge post-transcriptional gene regulation
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 25 November 2025 , 23:59 GMT+1.

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.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 2-3, 2026

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.