PhD Stipend in Diabetic Neurophaty

Research area and project description

Title: Utilising novel methodologies including skin biopsies as tools for unravelling the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy.

Description of the project
This PhD project will consist of three sub-studies, each investigating scientifically and clinically relevant problems in relation to the diagnosis or mechanisms of diabetic polyneuropathy and diabetic painful neuropathy. The sub-studies will each be part of larger clinical studies and focus on the identification and/or validation of biomarkers and newly developed high-tech diagnostic equipment.

The chosen candidate will rotate between clinical duties, recruiting and examining people with diabetes, performing clinical trials, and duties in the laboratory, primarily focusing on analysing skin biopsy specimens acquired from the mentioned clinical trials.

The PhD project has the following objectives
To provide new insights into the phenotypes of diabetic polyneuropathy and diabetic painful neuropathy and the mechanisms involved, aiming for the discovery of novel biomarkers and the development of novel diagnostic tools for early detection of diabetic polyneuropathy and diabetic painful neuropathy.

Qualifications and specific competencies required
- Relevant Master’s degree, preferably with a degree in molecular medicine or equivalent.
- Excellent verbal and writing skills in English with excellent communication skills.
- Experience with clinical trials and communication with study participants, people with diabetes and members of the research teams.
- Empathy and ability to communicate in Danish with a broad population of people with diabetes and members of the research teams.
Preferred:
- Experience regarding novel basic science methodologies for examining diabetic neuropathy, including skin biopsies.
- Demonstration of previous research activities within the described field, encompassing clinical and lab duties.

Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aalborg University, Department of Clinical Medicine, and the place of work will be devided between Aalborg Univeristy Hospital, Aalborg and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. 

Contacts
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
Clinical Professor Niels Ejskjær, e-mail:[email protected]
Clinical Professor Peter Vestergaard, e-mail:[email protected]  

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms Ruth Klitte, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Medicine, email:[email protected]  

Application requirements- Applicants must submit the following:
- letter of motivation
- curriculum vitae
- diplomas confirming academic degrees(Master’s degree), including academic transcripts
- a short project descripton
- references/recommendations

For more information of the The Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology:
https://www.phd.aau.dk/medicine-biomedical-science-and-technology  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.