Phd Fellowship To Study Dna Replication And Genome Stability Mechanisms In Cancer

At the laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, we seek a highly motivated PhD student with strong background in cell biology and prime interest in cell cycle, genome maintenance, cancer mechanisms, and quantitative imaging. Experience with CRISPR-based gene editing, optical microscopy, and quantitative skills are required. Previous work in the field of cell cycle, genome integrity and epigenetics or/and experience in working on embryonic/adult stem cells and cancer cell lines are a plus.

The Somyajit lab, based at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , SDU, has a deep interest in studying regulatory foundations of the cell cycle, DNA replication, and genome surveillance in pathophysiology.

Starting date: 01-01-2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Duration: 3 years as a PhD student.
Interviews will be held in the second week of December 2025.

Research Project and Role
DNA replication is essential for a cell to multiply and transfer genetic information to its daughters. However, a plethora of extrinsic and intrinsic factors challenge individual DNA replication forks and cause replication stress, a hallmark of all cancer types and a range of developmental disorders. Yet, we know very little about the mechanisms that align DNA replication activities to potentially harmful endogenous threats such as metabolic stress and thereby limiting the detrimental consequences of abnormal DNA replication.

Recent studies by Kumar Somyajit have identified novel cell-intrinsic regulation(s) of DNA replication dynamics and replisome speed as a key genome surveillance mechanism (PMIDs: 29123070, 33621493, 33087936, 30566856, 39947938; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.15.641049 ).

As a Ph.D. student in the Somyajit group, you will be engaged in a highly interdisciplinary project aimed at uncovering the regulatory foundations of human DNA replication and genome protection. The project focuses on understanding how the replisome motor and chromatin are dynamically reorganized in response to natural fluctuations in metabolic pathways—conditions that are inevitable during early development and cancer transformation.

You will combine advanced quantitative cell biology approaches such as Quantitative Image-Based Cytometry (QIBC), time-lapse live-cell microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and DNA fiber assays, together with genetic and biochemical tools, to reveal novel mechanisms that regulate replisome velocity and fork remodeling. An important aspect of this work involves dissecting how homologous recombination (HR) operates during ongoing DNA replication to preserve fork stability and genome integrity. You will investigate how HR factors are recruited and regulated both at replication forks and within the post-replicative chromatin environment to safeguard newly synthesized DNA, and how their engagement is coordinated with replisome dynamics and metabolic cues under stress conditions. These studies will provide critical insight into how cells balance replication continuity with high-fidelity DNA repair to prevent mutagenesis and chromosomal instability.

You will interact and collaborate closely with researchers in the Somyajit laboratory and with members of other groups within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, fostering a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.

The Somyajit group is located at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , SDU. The department constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment with state-of-the-art facilities for advanced bioimaging, quantitative mechanistic cell biology, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedicine (the 5+3 program).
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental Cell cycle, DNA replication and Genome integrity
• Relevant laboratory experience in quantitative imaging and genome editing.
• Know-how in Genome integrity field, stem cell culture, light microscopy, bioinformatics will be considered an advantage.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

For further information please contact Kumar Somyajit, ksom@sdu.dk

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.( the 5+3 programme ).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University .

The application must be in English and include the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. one page) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information, education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position, publications/manuscripts
• Copies of diplomas, bachelor as well as master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades. If awaiting master’s diploma, provide a written statement from the supervisor.

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

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link " Apply now ". The faculty expects applicants to read the information " How to apply for a position at SDU " before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU .