Doctoral Student in Tumor Biology

Description of the workplace

The research group conducts experimental research on brain tumors and is led by Associate Professor Alexander Pietras. The group consists of a bioinformatician, two postdocs, one PhD student, and two research engineers. We are part of the Lund University Cancer Centre at Medicon Village and belong to the Division of Translational Cancer Research at the Department of Laboratory Medicine. We are currently seeking a motivated PhD student to work on the doctoral project "Dynamic changes in the brain tumor microenvironment during tumor progression," and to participate in the group's other research projects. The project, funded in part by a grant from the ERC, involves generating and analyzing large datasets of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data to describe brain tumor progression from initiation to recurrence, functionally validating new therapeutic targets based on these analyses using experimental models, and identifying novel avenues for targeted treatment against brain tumors. More information about the group's research is available at Alexander Pietras Lab and Alexander Pietras Lab.

As a workplace, we prioritize a positive working environment characterized by mutual respect and care in our interactions.

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

Work duties and areas of responsibility 

• Job responsibilities include experimental work, data analysis, and compilation of results. The primary focus of the PhD project is bioinformatic analysis of data generated from experimental models. Additional tasks may be included within the scope of the position.
  The doctoral student is expected to actively participate in seminars and other relevant meetings, as well as present the project at meetings in accordance with the study plan.

The PhD student is personally responsible for:

• Seeking out colleagues who can best support discussions regarding the results
• Identifying avenues for career support
• Formulating, developing, and optimizing the channels of communication with supervisors and colleagues that best facilitate the doctoral student's work methods and progress

Qualifications

Requirements for employment are:

• A university degree, or equivalent foreign education, in bioinformatics, medicine, biomedicine, or molecular biology
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses
• Good communication skills in English
• Strong ability to work collaboratively

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We are looking for someone who is driven, curious, and responsible. Since the research group operates in an international environment, strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are essential. Additionally, the nature of the work requires that you are organized and able to prioritize your tasks efficiently.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Experience with single cell RNA sequencing data and spatially resolved transcriptomics
• Programming skills using e.g. Python and R

Type of employment

Temporary employment of four years, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance-
HF 5 kap 7§ in Sweden. The employment is a full term position with the desired start date of 2025-10-01 or according to agreement. 

Eligibility

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.

Assessment basis 

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.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificates or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).