The Department of Plant and Environmental Science, Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics, at the University of Copenhagen, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in “The effect of formulations of dsRNA based pesticides on non-target species”. The project is part of the research project ENvironmental SAFEty of biotechnological plant protection products based on short interfering RNA and peptides, which is financed by The Novo Nordisk Foundation.
The Project
The ENSAFE project aims to develop both in silico and experimental tools that support efficient, evidence-based risk assessment of new bio-based plant protection products (PPPs) made from short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and peptides. This PhD project investigates how different formulations (chitin, clay, or peptide) affect the uptake, distribution, and biological effects of a selected dsRNA product. The main focus is on dsRNA designed to target arthropod pests, though the research may expand to fungicidal applications if relevant. Formulations are designed to improve delivery in “difficult-to-hit” pest species. However, these same properties can also change how non-target organisms respond.
The PhD will quantify how specific formulation types modify effects in species with varying sensitivities. It will also identify the biological and physicochemical processes altered by formulations that influence environmental risk assessment. You will work closely with partners at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (Wallingford, England), who study dsRNA toxicokinetics and off-target effects, and with researchers at Aalborg University, who analyse how formulation technologies impact environmental fate. As one of 8–10 PhD candidates in the ENSAFE project, you will contribute to building the scientific foundation needed to evaluate the environmental safety of dsRNA- and peptide-based PPP technologies across Europe.
Your Profile
- They are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Environmental toxicology, biology, agronomy, biochemistry or similar scientific fields.
- Experience with laboratory work, handling test organisms and measuring morphological, physiological or behavioural parameters (growth, reproduction and mobility).
- Experience with omics techniques such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics and the associated treatment and interpretation of data.
- Data analysis and statistical skills will also be evaluated positively, together with good communication and social skills.
The research group
The research group of Environmental Toxicology is embedded in the Section of Environmental Chemistry and Physics (https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/env_chem_phys/). They work with the environmental fate and effects of chemicals and bioactive molecules. Their goal is to create knowledge that supports regulatory decision-making. They have a well-equipped ecotox lab and on-campus collaborations with chemists and biologists. This enables a wide range of measurements on state-of-the-art equipment operated by experts in their field. You will also be part of the ENSAFE project, which includes research stays with project partners in Ålborg and England. You will have access to the wider consortium network and to stakeholders involved in the production, use, and regulation of future biotechnological plant protection products.
The group is a part of the Department of Plant and Environmental Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
- Principal supervisor is Professor Nina Cedergreen, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, e-mail: ncf@plen.ku.dk; Telephone: +45 29611743 or +45 35333397
- Co-supervisor is Professor Jeppe Lund Nielsen, Aalborg University, e-mail: jln@bio.aau.dk
The PhD programme
A three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). For more information and to apply, visit the application portal. The application deadline is the 15th October 2025.