PhD Candidate in Experimental Oncology

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Project Title and WP

Inhibition of metastatic spread through precision-targeted blockade of cancer-associated fibroblast niches (WP1).

Objectives

In the research group Experimental Oncology, we consider a tumor as a communicating organ composed of several cell types that together develop into a clinically manifested and deadly disease. Our overarching goal is to functionally define the cellular elements of a tumor. In the current project, microenvironments organized by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) will be described and functionally investigated concerning metastatic spread. By refining current high-resolution analytical methods, our studies will enable conclusions about molecular interactions between specialized cell types in confined cell niches. With a unique map of the microenvironment niches as a background, the project will address previously unresolved questions in tumor biology by: 1) Defining the dynamic changes in tumor architecture, manifested in the composition of CAF microenvironments in different phases of tumor development, from initiation to distant spread and in connection with treatment, 2) Identifying precision medicine targets based on CAF microenvironments to prevent cancer spread and drug resistance, and 3) Discovering biomarkers for CAF microenvironments for improved cancer diagnostics.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Master's degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in a relevant subject area.
• Documented experience in laboratory work within cancer research or another relevant subject area.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics analyses.
• Documented skills in oral and written communication in English.

Meritorious

• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Documented good collaborative skills.
• Previous work leading to published studies is meritorious.

Eligibility

To be employed as an MSCA doctoral candidate at Lund University, one must not have resided in Sweden or performed research work at Lund University or any other Swedish organization for more than a total of 12 months during the last three years, calculated from the first day of the employment decision.

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

Assessment Criteria

Regulations for employment as a doctoral candidate can be found in regulation SFS 1998:80. Only those who are admitted to doctoral education may be appointed as holders. In the appointment, primary consideration will be given to the degree of ability to benefit from the doctoral education. In addition to the obligation to devote oneself to one's own doctoral education, the holder may be required to perform duties related to education, research, and administrative work according to specific provisions in the regulation.

Conditions

The position is full-time and fixed-term for four years according to HF 5 chap 7§ with a start date of 2025-08-01 or by agreement. This is a Marie Sklodowska Curie doctoral position. For more information about the conditions, read here (https://adaptmet.eu/recruitment/).

As a doctoral candidate at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed. Further information regarding the regulations concerning admission and employment as a doctoral candidate can be found on the faculty's website (https://www.intramed.lu.se/doktorera/att-utbilda-sig-pa-forskarniva).

How to Apply / Application Instructions

Please note: The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system Varbi and via the website here (https://adaptmet.eu/recruitment/). Only applications submitted in both systems will be considered. The deadline for applications is January 17, 2025, at 17:00 Central European Time.

The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents requested via the website here (https://adaptmet.eu/recruitment/).

The Faculty of Medicine is an area of activity within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. The education is conducted in close collaboration with healthcare and is well rooted in the faculty's strong research tradition. The faculty's research spans a wide field within experimental basic research, patient-centered clinical research, and health science research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers, and researchers from around the world.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine (ILM) is one of six departments at the Faculty of Medicine. We conduct leading research in the field of laboratory medicine, focusing on how diseases arise and how we can improve patient diagnostics and treatment. Some of our strongest areas of world-class research include cancer, genetics, and blood research.

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