Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder in preterm infants and is associated with impaired growth, feeding difficulties and prolonged hospitalisation. Despite widespread use of laxatives, evidence supporting current treatment strategies is limited.
This PhD project aims to generate evidence to optimise the treatment of constipation in preterm infants through three complementary studies: (1) a nationwide register-based study investigating current use of laxatives and risk factors for constipation, (2) a multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating lactulose compared with placebo, and (3) a longitudinal microbiome study exploring the relationship between constipation, treatment and gut microbiota development.
Together, these studies will provide new knowledge to support evidence-based clinical practice and future national and international treatment guidelines.
The PhD student will be affiliated with the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, and the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University.
The project is conducted in collaboration with clinicians and researchers in neonatology, epidemiology, microbiome research and biostatistics, providing a strong multidisciplinary research environment.
The candidate will gain experience in clinical research, register-based epidemiology, clinical trial methodology and translational research while contributing to improving care for a vulnerable patient population.
Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree in Medicine or another relevant health science discipline and fulfil the admission requirements for the PhD programme at the Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University.
The applicant should have a strong interest in clinical and translational research. Experience with clinical studies, epidemiology, biostatistics or neonatal medicine is considered an advantage but is not required. Good collaborative skills, independence and proficiency in written and spoken English are expected. Knowledge of Danish is an advantage due to collaboration with Danish clinical departments and patient-related research activities.
The position is advertised in accordance with Aarhus University's recruitment procedures. The research project has been developed prior to the advertisement, and applicants will be assessed on the basis of their documented qualifications and their match with the scientific and methodological profile of the project.
Please note, this projects involves direct contact with children under 15, therefore in case of enrolment you need to obtain statements of no previous convictions in respect of children in accordance with university rules.
Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 19 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 November 2026.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please contact Associate Professor Luise Borch, luise.borch@rm.dk for more information.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
