PhD Fellowship in DNA Replication and Genome Stability After Whole-Genome Doubling

At the laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, we invite applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship investigating how cells adapt the DNA replication machinery when their genome doubles. The project connects a fundamental challenge in development with a common route of cancer evolution. Previous work in the field of cell cycle and genome integrity and experience in working on embryonic/adult stem cells and cancer cell lines are a plus.

The Somyajit lab, based at the Quantitative Cell Biology and Bioimaging research unit at the 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: 01-01-2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Duration: 3 years as a PhD Student. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in the second week of December 2026. 

Research Project and Role
Whole-genome doubling (WGD) gives a cell an extra copy of its entire genome. It can support specialized functions during development, but it is also common in aggressive cancers, where it can promote chromosome instability and treatment resistance. After WGD, cells must copy and maintain twice as much DNA. The replication and chromatin-maintenance machinery may not increase at the same rate, creating a potential capacity bottleneck.
Our recent work identified PAF15 as a dosage-sensitive regulator of PCNA, the sliding clamp that coordinates DNA replication and repair. PAF15 helps retain PCNA on chromatin and supports maturation of the newly copied lagging strand. Its abundance must stay within a narrow range: too little weakens replication, while excess can disrupt PCNA function (PMID: 41606318; Nature. 2026 Mar;651(8105):521-532. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-10011-3). 
Building on this work, the PhD project will investigate whether whole-genome doubling creates capacity limits in the machinery that copies and maintains the genome in non-transformed cells, cancer cells and mouse embryonic stem cells, how cells adapt to these limits, and whether the resulting dependencies could provide opportunities to target cancer cells.

The project combines quantitative cell biology, genome engineering and biochemical approaches. Methods will include quantitative image-based cytometry (QIBC), live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, DNA fibre assays, CRISPR-based perturbation, stem-cell culture and differentiation, and chromatin-resolved mass spectrometry.
You will work closely with researchers in the Somyajit group and collaborators at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. SDU provides an international and interdisciplinary research environment with advanced facilities for bioimaging, cell biology, sequencing, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and metabolomics.

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.

Requirements and programme structure
PhD candidates follow an individual PhD plan including course work, conference participation, and teaching. One semester is typically spent at another research institution - often abroad. The scholarship carries a monthly salary including pension plus office facilities and financial support for conference travels and research visits abroad. 

Application deadline: 8. December 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk