PhD Student in Immunology and Biophysics

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Subject Description

T cells are a crucial component of our immune system and play an important role in immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

Currently, there is an incomplete molecular understanding of T cell activation, although several receptors on the cell surface have been identified as involved in this process. This project aims to investigate two key receptors on T cells, CD4 and SLAMF6, to understand the mechanisms behind their impact on T cell activation. This is relevant for optimizing the use of these receptors in cancer therapy. The project is interdisciplinary and combines advanced imaging techniques, biophysics, and cell biology. It includes experimental laboratory work, the creation of model cell surfaces, and studies using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to analyze receptor interactions at the single-molecule level.

This project is ideal for students with a background in biophysics, physical chemistry, or related fields who are interested in applying advanced experimental techniques to study and address fundamental immunological questions.

The main supervisor for the project is university lecturer Peter Jönsson at the Department of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, with a research focus on biomolecular interactions at interfaces here (https://www.physchem.lu.se/people/seniors/joensson/). The PhD student will be stationed at the Department of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, but will also collaborate with Prof. Fredrik Höök's group at Chalmers, Sweden here (https://www.chalmers.se/en/persons/fredrikh/).

Job Responsibilities

The project includes a combination of experimental work, advanced fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative data analysis. You will build a model cell surface that binds to receptors on T cells, such as CD4 and SLAMF6. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy will be used to study receptor interactions at the single-molecule level. Advanced data analysis will be performed to reveal fundamental mechanisms of T cell activation. The goal of the project is to improve the understanding of T cell activation and thus develop more effective drugs against cancer.

The main task for a PhD student is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects as well as doctoral education courses. The job responsibilities also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time.

Eligibility

The basic eligibility for doctoral education is met by those who have:

• completed a degree at the advanced level or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, with content relevant to the doctoral education or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country.

The requirements for special eligibility in physical chemistry are met by those who have at least 120 higher education credits consisting of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 higher education credits are a thesis at the advanced level within the chosen specialization or closely related specializations. The special eligibility can also have been obtained through other equivalent education (e.g., courses in physics, biology, immunology, biotechnology, etc., relevant to the announced position), which is assessed in each individual case.

Other Requirements:

• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Assessment Criteria

Selection for doctoral education is based on the assessed ability to benefit from the doctoral education. The assessment of ability is primarily based on study results at the undergraduate and advanced levels. The following are considered:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the dissertation work and educational subject.
• Assessed ability for independent work and ability to formulate and tackle scientific problems.
• Ability for written and oral communication.
• Other experiences relevant to doctoral education, e.g., work experience.

Other Merits:

• Experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy is meritorious.
• Experience in chemical surface modification is meritorious.
• Experience in cell culture and working with cells is meritorious.
• Experience in image analysis is meritorious.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

Conditions

Only those who are admitted to doctoral education may be employed as PhD students. The doctoral education lasts four years for full-time studies. When teaching and other departmental work is included, the employment is extended accordingly, but for a maximum of 5 years (i.e., max 20%). Regulations regarding employment as a PhD student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Application Instructions

The application must be written in English. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, references, recommendation letters, etc.).

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments located in the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 330 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

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