PhD candidate for blood-based biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodelling in wound healing

Are you driven by scientific discovery in the fields of dermatology, biomarker development, and precision medicine? Do you excel in translational research, particularly at the intersection of assay development, skin pathology, and clinical biomarker analytics?
We invite applications for a fully funded, 3-year Industrial PhD fellowship at Nordic Bioscience (Herlev, Denmark) in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and wound healing in the context of skin diseases.

The PhD project is a part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) “Targeting Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in Cutaneous Wounds to Promote Better Healing”, REMOD-HEALING (www. remod-healing.eu). REMOD-HEALING is a Doctoral Network funded by the Horizon Europe Programme of the European Union. The REMOD-HEALING Consortium has funding for 12 full-time (100%) doctoral scholarships (locations across Europe and Costa Rica).

Project scope:
This PhD project aims to elucidate novel mechanisms of ECM dynamics during skin pathology and early wound healing. You will work at the forefront of biomarker science, utilizing advanced technologies to identify, develop, and clinically evaluate biomarkers with potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance.

Primary objectives:

• Discovery of novel biomarker targets by profiling ECM proteins involved in skin disease progression and wound repair, using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and proteomics.
• Development and validation of immunoassays for serological and wound-fluid biomarkers derived from the identified targets.
• Clinical translation through the evaluation of candidate biomarkers in a large, prospective clinical cohort of patients with skin diseases—aiming to predict wound healing outcomes and guide wound care.

Your Role:
As a PhD fellow, you will be responsible for independently managing your research project in close collaboration with academic and industrial supervisors. Your responsibilities will include:

• Laboratory work and assay development
• Data analysis and interpretation of preclinical and clinical datasets
• Dissemination of research through scientific publications, conferences, and stakeholder presentations
• Completion of relevant PhD coursework at DTU

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• Master’s degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• Strong background in biomarker science, proteomics, or immunoassay development
• Experience or interest in translational dermatology or wound biology
• Knowledge of basic statistics and analysis of clinical studies is an advantage
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Secondments

• 3 month placement in the lab of Oliver Schilling, Freiburg, Germany, to select ECM fragments from proteomic data for biomarker assays.
• 3 week placement in the lab of Catherine Moali, Lyon, France, to select fibrosis-related fragments from BMP-1 activity for biomarker assays.

Project-specific selection criteria
The candidate must hold a relevant MSc degree (biochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical science or alike), have a grade of at least 10 (or equivalent for foreign educations) in the MSc thesis and achieve one of these two requirements for grade-point averages:

• Master's and bachelor's degree combined: Weighted average of at least 8.2 on the 7-point scale or 9 on the 13-point scale
• For a two-year master's degree alone: Weighted average of at least 9.5 on the 7-point scale or 9.4 on the 13-point scale

You must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date. Additional criteria can be found here: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Guide for Applicants Doctoral Networks 2025

How to apply
The selection procedure will be open, transparent, and merit-based, fully aligned with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The selection will be based on the quality of applications and gender balance will also be considered.

Applications (in English) must include:

• A letter of motivation which explains the interest in the position and emphasizes the candidate’s strengths regarding the project and its requirements (max 2 pages)

Deadline for application is 15 November 2025, with enrollment as a PhD fellow by 1 March 2026.

Contact
For further details please contact the Scientific Director and Head of Dermatology, Signe Holm Nielsen, +4544525252, [email protected].

Working for Nordic Bioscience
Nordic Bioscience is a Science-driven research and development company that aims at providing precision medicine for the future. We strive to foster excellence in an environment where new inventions and high quality products goes hand in hand with due diligence and reliability. We are motivated by data that provides support of promising new drugs or new hope for better patient care. We are inspired by working with clever and engaged colleagues. We are a small company making a global fingerprint.

Dermatology at Nordic Bioscience
The PhD student will be affiliated with the Dermatology team at Nordic Bioscience. The group focuses on development of novel biomarkers in blood able to detect early disease activity and efficacy of intervention markers, providing better possibilities for obtaining effective and personalized patient care. The PhD student will be supervised by Signe Holm Nielsen, MSc, PhD (Director and Head of Dermatology), who has 10+ years of experience in dermatology, biomarker development, validation, and evaluation.

• Two letters of recommendation from relevant and appropriate referees or the names and contact details of two Referees (as former Supervisors/PIs).

• A transcript along with a scanned copy of your Master’s Degree certificate. If the degree has not been awarded by the application closing date, the candidate should submit a declaration signed by their supervisor or University official stating that the degree will be obtained by the time of PhD enrolment.

• A summary of the applicant’s Master thesis (max 1 page)

• A full CV (max 2 pages), including list of publications

Department: Herlev Hovedgade 205 - 207 2730 Herlev

Lokation: Herlev Hovedgade 205-207, DK-2730 Herlev