Doctoral student in Immunotechnology with focus on Immuno-Oncology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace 

The research group is part of the Department of Immunotechnology with research spanning from advanced technology developments to biomedical research. Main research areas include immuno-oncology, sensibilization and biomarkers. Advanced technologies are employed within the department including genomics and transcriptomics, antibody development based on phage display, large-scale mass spectrometry-based proteomics and associated bioinformatics. The department is also responsible for several student courses and we offer high quality education at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Subject description

The position’s research focus is within immune oncology, specifically within head and neck cancers and the role of T and myeloid cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. The candidate will be actively engaged in the Dendritic cell Immunobiology team, dedicated to understanding the heterogeneity of immune-infiltration of head and neck tumors to enable development of myeloid-targeted therapies and biomarkers valuable for precision medicine. The doctoral research studies include biomarker analysis using advanced on both fresh tumor biopsies and paraffin-embedded clinical samples, and the projects will be carried out in close collaboration with Skåne University Hospital.  

Work duties

The candidate will be actively engaged in generating transcriptomic (incl. single cell sequencing), spatial and proteomic data from clinical samples, such as peripheral blood and tissue biopsies, to assess biomarker profiles before and after standard treatment and immunotherapy. Bioinformatic analysis of such data will thus be a core activity in the doctoral program. Furthermore, flow cytometry guided cell sorting and immunological assays will be used to study the functional properties of rare tumor-infiltrating myeloid cell populations, and their activation upon stimulation with therapeutic antibodies. 

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Immunotechnology if the applicant has: 

• at least 240 credits of relevance to the subject area, of which at least 60 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject or the equivalent, or
• an MSc in engineering or another relevant degree at the same level

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• To have completed an independent research project (such as an MSc thesis project or similar assignment) within the field of immunology, immunotechnology, and/or bioinformatics.
• Interest in experimental as well as computational research.

Assessment criteria

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: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• Documented extensive experience with the use of R and Python.
• Documented, experimental experience in the fields of immune oncology and myeloid cell research.
• Documented, experimental experience of multiparametric flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Documented, experimental experience with single-cell sequencing or other omics-technologies.
• Documented, experimental experience of working with primary immune cell cultures, and immunological assays.

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

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.