PhD student in experimental cancer research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) harbors somatic tumor mutations and is continuously shed by the tumor cells (liquid biopsy) and can provide similar molecular information as that derived from tumor biopsies. Thus it has the potential to enable non-invasive diagnosis and prediction of cancer at an earlier stage. In this study we plan to use ctDNA to identify genetic aberrations in both nuclear and mitochondrial genome and to investigate their interplay in cancer pathogenesis. We also plan to investigate their role in diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. We will use well-defined cancer cohorts and clinical data and perform next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and droplet digital PCR assays. Finally, by using cell culture we will also perform functional analysis of newly identified genetic aberrations using molecular biology techniques, such as transfection, proliferation and cell migration and invasion assays etc.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses.

Qualifications

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses.

Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

The applicant must be highly ambitious with a willingness to dedicate him/herself to the project.

 Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

 Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study

An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research     problems

 Written and oral communication skills

 Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience

Meriting skills and experience

Experience working with protein and DNA work Prior experience in DNA sequencing and basic bioinformatics skills is a plus Experience working with cell culture and real time PCR

• Experience in molecular and cell biology

Other assessment criteria

Motivation to be accepted to the program and statement of career development benefits after graduation from the program

The ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems will be assessed based on undergraduate research experience, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during the interview process.

The ability to collaborate and communicate will be assessed through the application documents and during the interview process.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.