PhD in addiction research at Region Hovedstaden and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Paid 3-year PhD position with start February or March 2026

Help us identify and develop targets for treating alcohol and substance use disorders as part of the group of Morgan Thomsen.

Your project will assess the new antipsychotic medication Cobenfy as potential medication for cocaine use disorder, focusing on cocaine-taking behavior and cocaine-induced neuronal and neurotoxic alterations in rats and mice. Cobenfy acts through cholinergic muscarinic M1+M4 receptors, a target our group has identified, and which has been described as “the most promising target for cocaine addiction right now”.

You will be responsible for carrying out experiments using various methodologies including intravenous drug self-administration, fiber photometry, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Our work is highly collaborative and involves groups at the University of Copenhagen, the NIH, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Kentucky, and more.

Job description
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an excellent academic background in neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, or related disciplines.

As a PhD student in our group, you will carry out an independent research project under supervision and write a PhD thesis based on your project.

You will also have opportunities to gain experience in scientific writing and speaking, teaching, grant writing, and other dissemination activities related to your PhD project. You will participate in active research environments including a stay with another research group. The PhD program also entails completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a Master’s degree related to the subject area of the project.

Essential skills and experience:

• You have a Master’s degree in biological sciences or similar
• You are authorized to work with laboratory animals (i.e., course in Laboratory Animal Science, FELASA accredited)
• You have an active interest in addiction, including cocaine use disorder
• You have excellent written English skills and good oral English skills

Desirable skills and experience:

• Behavioral studies in rodents
• Immunohistochemistry and/or microscopy
• Fiber photometry and/or handling similar large datasets using Python or MATLAB
• Preparing and finalizing publications

Application process
Send your written application, in Danish or English, via the link. Please attach:

• Application letter
• Curriculum vitae listing education, relevant course work and technical skills, professional experience, research experience, scientific publications and presentations
• Copy of diploma
• Laboratory animal course certificate

Skriftlig ansøgning, enten på dansk eller engelsk, modtages via LINK på opslaget. Følgende dokumenter vedlægges:

• Motiveret ansøgning
• Curriculum vitae med uddannelse, relevant kursusaktivitet og teknisk erfaring, , forskningserfaring, videnskabelige publikationer og præsentationer
• Kopi af eksamensbevis
• FELASA kursusbevis

Salary, pension, and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the relevant organizations.

For more information about the position, feel free to contact Morgan Thomsen, Senior researcher, Associate professor
Email: [email protected]

Application deadline: Apply no later than 5. January 2026

Department: Bispebjerg Bakke 23 2400 København

Lokation: Bispebjerg og Frederiksberg hospital