Participation

The PhD opportunities​

Brain Battle brings together three ambitious PhD projects at the forefront of neuroscience and drug discovery. The first project will integrate human neuro-omics data with experimental studies to uncover the biology and therapeutic potential of orphan GPCRs in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The second will develop humanized Huntington’s disease models using patient-derived iPSC neurons, both in vitro and transplanted into the rat brain, to connect drug exposure and target engagement with human-specific disease mechanisms and support the development of RNA therapeutics. The third will leverage state-of-the-art Neuropixels recordings to uncover how abnormal neuronal activity within cerebellar circuits contributes to tremor and ataxia, aiming to identify disease-relevant biomarkers and novel therapeutic opportunities for movement disorders. Together, the projects offer candidates the opportunity to apply advanced computational, cellular, translational, and electrophysiological approaches to address major challenges in brain disease research.​

You are eligible to apply for Brain Battle 2027 if you:​

• Are passionate about neuroscience, drug development and scientific communication​
• Are an MSc student or recent graduate whose MSc project is within the broad field of neuroscience​
• Meet the requirements for enrolment as a PhD student at a Danish university and can start your PhD no later than December 2027​
• Are available to attend an interview during February or March 2027, presentation training on April 8th and 22nd 2027 (10 – 13 both days) and participate in the Brain Battle finale on April 29th, 2027, in person at the Lundbeck headquarters in Valby, Denmark.​

Limited travel reimbursement will be available, subject to a fixed per-person cap. Details will be provided to candidates who progress in the selection process.​

How to apply​

Applications for Brain Battle 2027 must be submitted in English by January 15th, 2027.​

Please submit: ​

• A one-page letter of motivation, describing your motivation for pursuing a PhD at Lundbeck, your scientific areas of interests, skills both inside and outside the lab, and relevant experience. Emphasize any unique qualities, skills or perspectives that you bring to the program that can further enrich the Lundbeck community
• Your CV​
• Your grade transcript​
• Letters of recommendation – optional​

How candidates are selected​

Candidates are assessed on their letter of motivation, scientific background, research experience, skills and potential to succeed in an industrial PhD environment. The letter of motivation should clearly indicate in which area you wish to continue your PhD education. Don’t forget to highlight your academic achievements, both inside and outside the lab. Discuss your relevant research experience and share your long-term academic and career goals and how winning a PhD at Lundbeck will help you achieve this goal. Emphasize any unique qualities, skills or perspectives that you bring to the program that can further enrich the Lundbeck community. #EveryBrainInTheGame​

Following review of the written applications, selected candidates will be invited to an interview to discuss their scientific interests, experience and motivation in more depth.​

Based on the written application and interview, three candidates will be selected as Brain Battle finalists. All three finalists will receive professional scientific communication training before progressing to the finale.​

Further questions should be directed to brainbattle@lundbeck.com​