Doctoral student in immunotechnology focusing on data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics.

Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.3 billion SEK (about 290 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

In 2025 the DDLS Research School will be expanded with the recruitment of 19 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. During the course of the DDLS program more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/  

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Then join us in this unique program!

At Lund University, the Department of Immunotechnology, we are announcing the position as DDLS PhD student in Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics.

Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics covers data integration, analysis, visualization, and data interpretation for patient stratification, discovery of biomarkers for disease risks, diagnosis, drug response and monitoring of health. The precision medicine research is expected to make use of existing strong assets in Sweden and abroad, such as molecular data (e.g. omics), imaging, electronic health care records, longitudinal patient and population registries and biobanks.

Description of the workplace

The Department of Immunotechnology is dedicated to research in Life Science, including immunology, oncology, and hypersensitivity/allergy. Our modern premises are located at Medicon Village, which hosts academic researchers, Life Science companies and health care actors. Several key infrastructures are available here, including facilities for Spatial Omics, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and antibody engineering, as well as NBIS (National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden) bioinformaticians. Application of advanced technology to address complex biomedical challenges has positioned the Department at the forefront of several research areas and generated multiple spin-off companies also located at Medicon Village. You will be part of a research team dedicated to developing precision medicine tools for cancer treatment, which relies on translational research of molecular and cellular processes in cancer.

Work duties

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%).

Your research focus will be machine learning for precision medicine within oncology. You will develop interpretable deep learning models of tumor microenvironments from tissue images and spatial omics data. The project objective is to develop implementable tools for prognosis and classification of tumors. The project will also contribute with knowledge of immune responses in different tumors which can lead to novel treatment strategies.

Your work will include

• Drive research projects which include analysis of tissue images from multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial proteomics and transcriptomics
• Drive development of deep learning and computer vision tools to predict molecular patterns and disease outcomes
• Contribute to collaborations to develop new, transdisciplinary studies within the project
• Contribute to undergraduate education by supervising students in project and lab exercises

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 with relevance for the specific subject, with at least 60 credits in the second cycle, including a project of at least 30 credits in the second cycle with relevance for the subject, or similar, or
• Master in Engineering or other education at equal levels with relevance for the subject

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Excellent communication skills
• Good analytical skills
• Demonstrated practical experience of bioinformatics, programming and machine learning

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:

• 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.

Other assessment criteria:

• Practical experience of tissue image analysis
• Practical experience of deep learning and computer vision
• Practical experience of analysis of spatial proteomics and/or transcriptomics data
• Practical experience of working in Python and/or R, and Git
• Practical experience of working in computational cluster environments
• Knowledge of tumor and immune biomarkers

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.

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.

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 §§.

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.).

Welcome to apply!