PhD Position in Oncology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Project Title and WP: Suppression of metastatic dissemination through precision targeting of cancer-associated fibroblast niches (WP1)

Objectives
We subscribe to the view that a tumour should be considered as a communicating organ in its own right, comprising multiple cell types that collectively evolve into a clinically manifested and deadly disease. Our overarching aim is to functionally define the cellular elements of a tumour. In the current project, microniches orchestrated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) will be divulged and interrogated for function during metastatic dissemination. By a refinement of current state-of-the-art technologies, our studies enable inferences about molecular interactions between specialised cell types in confined cellular niches. With a unique map of microenvironmental niches as a backdrop, the project will confront previously unresolved questions in tumour biology by: 1) Defining the dynamic changes in the tumour architecture manifested in the composition of CAF microniches at different phases of tumorigenesis, from initiation to distant spread, and in the face of treatment, 2) Identifying precision drug targets based on CAF microniches to prevent cancer dissemination and drug resistance and 3) Discovering biomarkers from CAF microniches for improved diagnostication of cancer.

Work duties
As part of their doctoral studies, the applicant will work on research tasks related to ongoing projects within the Experimental Oncology research group. Tasks include, among other things, bioinformatic analysis of multidimensional data, studies of high-resolution data from spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, and the use of genetically engineered experimental cancer models. Furthermore, the candidate will actively participate in activities within the European doctoral network Adaptmet. Finally, the candidate is expected to stay updated within the research field by following the literature and attending conferences.

Requirements

• The applicant must hold an M.Sc. or equivalent, in a relevant field.
• Furthermore, the applicant should have documented experience in laboratory work in cancer research, or another relevant field, as well as knowledge in bioinformatic analysis.
• The applicant must have documented skills in oral and written communication in English.

Merits

• The applicant should be able to work both independently and in a team
• have documented good collaborative skills.
• Previous work that has led to published studies is a merit.

Eligibility
Mobility requirements
In order to be employed as an MSCA doctoral student at Lund University, the person must not have stayed in Sweden or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) research work at Lund University or at any other Swedish organisation for more than a maximum of 12 months during the past three years before the recruitment date..

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.

Type of employment
The employment is on full-time and limited to four years, according to HF chapter 5 § 7, with start date 2025-08-01 or according to agreement. This is a Marie Sklodowska Curie PhD position. for more info on conditions read here.
As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed. 
Further information regarding the regulations for admission and employment as a doctoral student can be found on the faculty's website.

How to apply
Please note:
You apply for the position via the university's recruitment system Varbi and via the website
Recruitment – Adaptmet- only applications received in both systems will be considered.
Deadline for application: 17:00 CET on 9 January 2025. 
The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, a diploma or equivalent and any other information requested via the website
Recruitment – Adaptmet.

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine is one of six departments at Lund University’s Faculty of Medicine. We conduct leading research, both broad and specialised, within the field of laboratory medicine, focusing on the onset of disease and how we can improve diagnostics and treatment for patients. Some of our strongest areas with world-class research deal with cancer, genetics and blood.

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