Doctoral student in immunotechnology

Description of the workplace 

The position will be located at the Department of Immunotechnology and be part of CREATE Health and Lund University's Cancer Center.

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 Bio-informatics 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.

Subject description

The project aims to deepen the understanding of the immune microenvironemnt in malignant lymphomas. Specific aims include staining ac quantification of immune cells in tissue, and omic analysis of patietn material as tissue and blood. The aim of the project is to explain response to treatment and identify novel immunotherapeutic targets. The project is carried out in collaboration with Skåne University Hospital (SUS), the European and the Nordic mantle cell lymphoma groups.

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%).

The project uses new technology, and the established SpatialOmics@LU infrastructure (www.lth.se/spatialomicslu), to generate unique molecular information about cellular interactions between the tumor and the immune system.

The work assignments include:

• Planning and execution of spatially resolved molecular and cellular analyses using different methods such as multiplex immunofluorescence.
• Apply bioinformatic workflows to answer specific biological questions and identify therapeutic target molecules.
• Develop cellular methods to functionally characterize tumor-immune interactions.
• Take part in collaborations with clinicans and other researchers to develop new cross-disciplinary studies related to the project
• Be involved in teaching in courses and of project students.
• Contribute to the development of the department through active participation in joint meetings and activities.

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 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.
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish
• Extensive pratical experience in image analysis
• Education with focus on cellbiology, tumorbiology and/or immunology.
• Practical experience in handling human cells and cultures.
• Praqctical expereince of omic-relateate laboratory workflows such as library preparations.
• Knowledge and practical experience in coding languages such as R.

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:

Add further qualifications such as knowledge and/or experience deemed important for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

• Education/knowledge in immunobiology or immunotechnology
• Practical experience in R studio
• Knowledge in lymphoma biology

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 should 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!