PhD student in medical sciences with a focus on advanced cancer

Description of the workplace

The research group led by Associate Professor Catharina Hagerling conducts translational cancer research, focusing on advanced (metastatic) cancers in children and adults. The group currently consists of a bioinformatician, a clinical pathologist, three PhD students, and two research engineers. We are part of Lund University Cancer Centre at BMC and belong to the Department of Experimental Medical Science.

We care about creating a positive, respectful, and stimulating environment. We value communication and collaboration and a workplace that promotes learning and development for all employees. We are also committed to building a safe and positive environment for all employees through mutual respect and tolerance.

Description of the project

We are now seeking a motivated and dedicated PhD student to join the project “Spatial multiomics of adult and pediatric advanced cancer”, and to contribute to the group’s ongoing research efforts. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, and the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund, among others. It aims to generate and analyze large-scale datasets from spatial single-cell transcriptomics and multiplex imaging of clinical metastases. The goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and functionally validate them using CRISPR-based studies and experimental models. More information about our research can be found on Catharina Hagerling's website.

Within the group, we strive to maintain a supportive and respectful work environment, where relationships are characterized by consideration and collaboration. We aim to offer a stimulating and developmental workplace for all team members.

Work duties and responsibilities

The main tasks of a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral education and therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

The main responsibility of a doctoral student is to pursue doctoral studies, meaning that you will be both admitted as a PhD student and employed by Lund University.

In addition to following the curriculum and attending relevant doctoral courses, your responsibilities will include:

• performing bioinformatic analyses of spatial multiomic data from clinical samples and compiling the results,
• conducting experimental work, including data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings,
• carrying out bioinformatic analyses of data from experimental models,
• additional tasks may be included within the role depending on the project's development and needs.

The PhD student is also expected to actively participate in seminars and important meetings and to present their project in accordance with the study plan.

The doctoral student is independently responsible for:

• seeking collaboration with colleagues who best support scientific discussion and interpretation of results,
• identifying and accessing career development resources,
• developing and optimizing communication strategies with supervisors and colleagues that support their individual working style and project progress.

Qualifications

Requirements for admission are:

• completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge,
• good ability to make use of the postgraduate education.

Specific admission requirements for the position include:

• at least 60 credits in the subject area of medical science,
• english language proficiency equivalent to at least upper-secondary school level.

Additional requirements for the position:

• a university degree equivalent to at least 240 credits, including a minimum of 60 credits at second-cycle level, or equivalent foreign education in bioinformatics, medicine, biomedicine, or molecular biology,
• documented experience in spatial single-cell bioinformatics analyses,
• excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken,
• strong ability to work collaboratively in a team environment,
• proven ability to successfully engage in postgraduate education.

Meritorious for the position: 

• experience working with single-cell RNA sequencing data,
• experience with multiplex imaging techniques,
• experience working with cell culture systems.

We place great emphasis on personal suitability. We are looking for someone who is proactive, curious, and responsible. Since the research group operates in an international and interdisciplinary environment, strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. You should also be well-organized, able to prioritize tasks, and capable of processing large volumes of information efficiently. Great importance will also be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program.

We offer

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed at on the university's website. Read more about being employed with us on the university's website.

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a desired start date of 2025-09-01 or as agreed. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund.

Provisions regarding employment as a doctoral student are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3, Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Additional information

For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty and salary is set according to the current salary scale.

How to apply

The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

More information regarding the Faculty of Medicine