Vacant job

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We are now seeking a PhD candidate in medical science with a focus on eye diseases.

Your tasks

The work will focus on research concerning a rare corneal disease, limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which leads to blindness and for which there are currently no effective treatment options. The research group uses various transgenic and traumatic models of LSCD, and your tasks will include the care of transgenic mouse colonies, characterization of eye tissues in mice, and performing minor microsurgical procedures in these models.

You will also characterize the cornea through in vivo imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, protein studies, and advanced sequencing and transcriptomic methods. Experimental treatments administered locally will be evaluated, including their effects on phenotype, gene expression, and protein expression. Additionally, you will investigate new mechanisms of action for these treatments and identify factors that interact with disease-related genes (e.g., PAX6, TP63) using molecular biology methods.

The position involves collaboration with international researchers within the framework of an EU project and outside the EU, including shorter research stays in partner laboratories.

As a PhD candidate, you will dedicate yourself to your doctoral education and the research project you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental assignments, up to 20 percent of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have a master's degree in the biomedical field with a focus on molecular biology or similar. You also have solid experience working in a laboratory environment.

We are looking for someone with prior experience in experimental molecular biology techniques, tissue processing, and imaging. You possess strong technical and analytical skills. Experience with disease models, cells, tissues, and analyses at the protein and gene level is advantageous. Experience with animal handling and/or FELASA certification is also considered a plus.

The position requires the ability to spend several months at collaborating laboratories in Europe and North America, which means valid travel documents and any necessary visas are required.

You thrive in an international, interdisciplinary environment and have the ability to collaborate effectively while contributing to several ongoing projects. Above all, you can work harmoniously with team members from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, and you are willing to learn new techniques. References may be contacted and interviews conducted to assess your suitability for the existing team, with particular emphasis on personal qualities.

Your application should include a cover letter describing how your personal qualities and qualifications match the requirements of the position, with examples of creative thinking, collaboration skills, and technical competence.

Your workplace

You will work at the Department of Sensory Organs and Communication, SOK, at the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKV.

The research group in eye diseases focuses on developing new treatments for diseases that severely affect vision. The group uses advanced molecular and genetic methods as well as disease models to better understand the onset of diseases and to evaluate potential new therapies.

Additionally, the group uses cell models and develops surgical methods to deliver and test new treatments. Collaborations primarily occur in an international environment, and shorter stays of up to two months at partner institutions are common.

About the employment

Upon acceptance into the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD candidate will be processed. Read more about the respective faculty's doctoral education here.

The employment is time-limited to a normal four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years may occur based on the degree of teaching and departmental assignments. In special circumstances, further extension may occur. You will initially be employed for one year, and thereafter the employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan.

Start date by agreement.

Salary and benefits

The PhD salary is regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about employee benefits here.

Union contacts

Information about union contacts can be found in Help for applicants.

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than February 8, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is obvious to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with Equal Conditions.

Welcome with your application!

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