Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Denmark: University of Copenhagen Seeks Researcher in Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry for 2026 @Unknown

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Denmark

Aspiring researchers in medicinal chemistry, radiopharmaceutical science, and cancer therapy have an opportunity to advance the future of nuclear medicine through a fully funded PhD fellowship at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark.

The Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology is offering a three-year PhD fellowship focused on developing innovative radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

The successful candidate will join an international research environment working at the intersection of chemistry, biology, molecular imaging, and targeted cancer therapy.

PhD Project Targets New Treatments for Brain Cancer

Glioblastoma remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to its rapid progression and limited response to existing therapies. Researchers are exploring new approaches that can improve tumour targeting while reducing damage to healthy tissues.

This PhD project will focus on developing pretargeted radiopharmaceutical strategies aimed at improving imaging and therapy for glioblastoma.

The research will target the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a biological marker associated with tumour development and progression.

The project will investigate:

• New radiopharmaceutical compounds for cancer imaging and treatment.
• Bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation chemistry for selective targeting.
• Fluorine-18 applications for advanced tumour imaging.
• Iodine-131 and astatine-211 for targeted radionuclide therapy.
• Improved methods for delivering radioactive agents directly to cancer cells.

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Researcher Will Work on Next-Generation Nuclear Medicine Solutions

The selected PhD student will contribute to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of advanced radiopharmaceutical compounds.

Key research activities will include:

• Designing and producing new tetrazine-based radioligands.
• Improving chemical stability and resistance to radioactive compound breakdown.
• Developing radiolabelling techniques using advanced medical isotopes.
• Testing methods to improve tumour targeting and reduce exposure to healthy tissues.
• Creating antibody-based targeting systems for anti-uPAR therapies.
• Supporting biological testing and imaging studies.

The researcher will work within the PreBreach project, collaborating with specialists in radiochemistry, protein engineering, biology, and molecular imaging.

Fully Funded Three-Year PhD Fellowship in Denmark

The fellowship provides an opportunity for international researchers to undertake doctoral studies at one of Europe’s leading universities.

Programme details include:

• Institution: University of Copenhagen
• Department: Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology
• Faculty: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
• Position: PhD Fellow in Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
• Duration: Three years
• Start Date: 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

The position includes salary, pension, and employment conditions according to Danish state academic agreements.

The monthly salary starts at approximately 20,071 DKK (around €4,000 depending on exchange rates and conditions), plus pension, based on the stated salary level.

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Who Can Apply?

The University of Copenhagen is seeking candidates with academic backgrounds relevant to radiopharmaceutical research.

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree.
• A background in medicinal chemistry, radiopharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in radiopharmaceutical development and central nervous system disorders.
• Relevant laboratory or research experience.

Additional factors considered during selection include:

• Academic performance.
• Research experience.
• Previous publications.
• Professional qualifications.
• Relevant work activities.
• Language skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

PhD Candidate Will Gain International Research Experience

Beyond laboratory research, the PhD fellow will participate in broader academic activities designed to develop an independent research career.

The fellowship includes opportunities to:

• Complete approximately 30 ECTS worth of PhD courses.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Participate in research collaborations.
• Undertake research stays at other institutions.
• Gain experience in teaching, supervision, and scientific communication.
• Write and defend a doctoral thesis.

These activities provide valuable preparation for careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare innovation.

Application Requirements and Deadline

Applicants must submit their applications electronically and include the required documents in PDF format.

The application package should contain:

• A motivated application letter of no more than one page.
• Curriculum vitae including education, experience, language skills, and relevant abilities.
• Certified copies of master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• English translations of documents where necessary.
• Publication list, if available.

The application deadline is:

• 24 July 2026

Interviews are expected to take place at the end of August 2026.

Research Opportunity at a Leading European University

The University of Copenhagen is recognised as one of Europe’s leading research institutions and is part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).

Through this PhD fellowship, the university aims to attract talented researchers who can contribute to the development of future cancer diagnostics and treatments.

For scientists interested in radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and precision medicine, this opportunity offers a pathway to develop cutting-edge research skills while contributing to innovations that could improve cancer care worldwide.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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