PhD student in Cell and Molecular Biology focusing on Proteomic Hematology

Description of the workplace
In the research group of Proteomic Hematology, we conduct research to understand why leukemia in children behaves different from leukemia in adults. Our research is specifically focused on the role of proteins in blood cell development and leukemia. The research is important for finding new age-tailored therapeutic targets to treat this cancer specifically in children, and in adults. The group is led by Senior Lecturer Jenny Hansson and the laboratory is located at the Biomedical Center in Lund. The research group is embedded in the Lund Stem Cell Center, a strategic center of excellence in life science, with a strong international position in the area of stem cell biology.

Read more about the research group in Proteomic Hemtology here: stemcellcenter.lu.se/research-groups/hansson

Within the group and the work place, we aim to maintain a good working environment that offers the conditions for development, work joy, and participation for all employees. The stimulating environment within the division as well as Lund Stem Cell Center also contributes to many collaborations and innovative thinking.

The Department of Experimental Medical Science now offers an exciting opportunity for research education and employment as PhD student in the project ”Harnessing proteomic vulnerabilities of disease biology to drive tailored treatment of leukemia”.

Research education topic
Medical Science

Project description

Fetal and adult blood cell development (hematopoiesis) are regulated by largely distinct sets of cell-intrinsic gene regulatory networks as well as extracellular cues in their respective microenvironment. These developmental-specific programs drive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in children and adult to divergent susceptibility to initiation and progression of acute leukemia. Although much progress has been made in the treatment of some types of acute leukemia, mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged acute leukemias are still associated with poor prognosis in both children and adults. New therapeutic options that are tailored to the biology of the disease are urgently needed.

The dynamic interactions and signals between the leukemic cells and their local environment (niche) represent specific vulnerabilities of the disease that can be harnessed for novel treatments. To develop novel age-tailored targeted therapies for the treatment of acute leukemia, it is essential to study the proteins that are the main actors of this interplay and represent the true effectors of disease. The research group’s previous cellular proteomic studies have provided detailed insight into the ontogenic influence on the intracellular proteomic programs active in leukemia-initiating cells. With the ongoing work, we are starting to uncover their interplay with the extracellular proteomic cues of the niche in which the disease propagates.

Although the interdependence of leukemia and the niche is becoming increasingly evident, little is known about this interplay during disease propagation. We hypothesize that defined developmental changes affect this interplay and hold the key to the development of age-tailored treatment of pediatric and adult acute leukemia. The main objective of this project is to ascertain combination therapies that can effectively assault the molecular basis behind childhood leukemia transformation and progression, by perturbation of both cell-intrinsic and niche-associated factors.

Work duties and responsibilities
The main work tasks of the doctoral student is to conduct their own research education. The PhD student will:

• Plan project and conduct research and experiments as outlined in the project description
• Analyze data and summarize results
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Participate in group meetings and collaborate with group members
• Attend division meeting and seminars
• Participate in relevant courses for the education

Qualifications
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.

Expertise: Required

• A master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Meriting (not mandatory)

• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Experience with cell cultures or work with laboratory animals
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools
• Prior research experience within blood cell development or cancer biology
• Knowledge of drug development
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative spirit, a positive attitude and ability to support team members

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§.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. Start date 2024-10-01 or by agreement.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

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.).