PhD Student in Breast and Prostate Cancer Treatment

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked as one of the world's leading academic institutions. There are approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our endeavor to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of human beings.

Description of the workplace The overall goal of our research is to promote precision medicine by improving prognosis and treatment choices for cancer patients through the development of new prognostic and treatment-predictive biomarkers, as well as by clarifying tumor biology to better understand the mechanisms behind treatment resistance and identify new therapeutic targets. To achieve this, we use state-of-the-art technology for molecular tumor analysis using both solid tissue samples and blood-based liquid biopsies from unique and well-characterized clinical cohorts. Our research integrates advanced liquid biopsy methods, including analysis of circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor-DNA, with extensive tissue-based profiling methods such as gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. These high-dimensional data are analyzed using advanced bioinformatic and biostatistical methods.

The research group is now recruiting a full-time (100 %) PhD student with a start date of November 1, 2026 (or as agreed).

Tasks and responsibilities As a PhD student, you will, under supervision, be responsible for initiating, conducting, and completing research projects within precision medicine for cancer. Your tasks specifically include:

Advanced data analysis, including the development of software infrastructure to optimize data flows. Development of analytical methods to integrate different types of sequencing-based DNA data. Development of computational models for prognosis and treatment prediction. Integration of different types of spatial single-cell data, such as gene expression and protein expression data. Development of image analysis methods for histopathological samples using AI-based models.

As a PhD student, you will also, under supervision:

Contribute to various parts of the scientific publication process. Present scientific results in various forums. Apply for research funding.

Additional tasks related to the employment may occur.

We offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous leave, and a favorable occupational pension. We also have a flextime agreement that creates good conditions for work-life balance. Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University Work with us.

Qualifications

For the position, the following are required:

Background in bioinformatics, computational biology, or equivalent (at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level). Experience working with AI models for image analysis. Experience with sequencing-based analysis of DNA. Documented ability to work independently in close collaboration with clinicians and other researchers. Experience working with spatial single-cell technologies. Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

We expect you, as a person, to be meticulous and goal-oriented.

Merit:

Advanced courses in computer science or computational biology relevant to cancer research. Previous research projects using bioinformatic methods in cancer research, especially the development of new tools for prognostic or treatment-predictive biomarkers. Previous experience in research within breast or prostate cancer. Previous experience working with liquid biopsies for cancer diagnostics. A degree at an advanced level. Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or knowledge acquired in a similar way, within or outside the country.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility for doctoral studies is held by those who have: completed a degree at an advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country.

Basis for assessment

Provisions for employment as a PhD student are found in regulation SFS 1998:80. Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be appointed as holders. When making an appointment, primary attention shall be paid to the degree of ability to assimilate the doctoral training. In addition to the obligation to engage in their own doctoral training, the holder may be required to perform duties involving education, research, and administrative work according to special provisions in the regulation.

Terms

Fixed-term employment for four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

How to apply

The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter describing how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also include a CV and degree certificates, as well as anything else you wish to invoke. At least two references with full contact details.

The Faculty of Medicine is an operational area within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. Education takes place in close cooperation with healthcare and is well-anchored in the faculty's strong research tradition.

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