Bioinformatician / Molecular Geneticist / Data Scientist for a PhD Project in Cancer Genetics

Role Overview:
We are seeking an academic candidate for a PhD position. You will join a research group running multiple projects aimed at developing biomarkers and deepening our understanding of clinically and biologically important aspects of cancer, including genetics, mechanisms, diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment selection. We apply state-of-the-art genomic assays followed by comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of large and complex datasets. The projects involve close, interdisciplinary collaboration among clinical geneticists, oncologists, bioinformaticians, commercial partners and specialists in genetic analyses, including genome sequencing, RNA analysis, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis. The PhD-project is part of HER-CARE, a large EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network designed to train and develop professionals with multidisciplinary expertise regarding breast cancer with early onset in individuals with a hereditary predisposition. This specific PhD-project is part of Theme 2 focusing on early detection of breast cancer using circulating tumor DNA to discover biomarkers in patients with a genetic predisposition to optimize risk stratification and enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer screening. You will participate in the project from its initial design phase. Start date: September 2026 or soon after.

Responsibilities:
Participate in the project from its initial design phase. Conduct bioinformatic analyses of large and complex datasets. Collaborate with clinical geneticists, oncologists, bioinformaticians, commercial partners and specialists in genetic analyses. Apply state-of-the-art genomic assays. Work on developing biomarkers and deepening understanding of clinically and biologically important aspects of cancer.

Requirements:
Holds a relevant master’s degree (e.g., MSc). An applicant may not already possess a PhD degree. Has a specialization in bioinformatics, biomedicine, computer science, applied mathematics, molecular biology, or a related field. Preferably has experience in analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, ideally within DNA sequencing and biologically oriented problem-solving. Applicants can be of any nationality, but candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Candidates must not be in possession of a PhD degree.

Qualifications:
Relevant master’s degree (e.g., MSc). Specialization in bioinformatics, biomedicine, computer science, applied mathematics, molecular biology, or a related field. Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, ideally within DNA sequencing and biologically oriented problem-solving.

What They Offer:
Challenging and meaningful scientific tasks. Dynamic collaboration with specialists across multiple disciplines. Strong academic and clinical support from supervisors and colleagues at the Department of Clinical Genetics and the Clinical Genomics Center. Stay at Professor Marjanka Schmidt’s group at Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Stay at industrial partner Pentabase, Odense, Denmark.