PhD Student in Xingqi Chen Group

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases. One of the fundamental ideas at the department is to stimulate translational research and thus a closer collaboration between medical research and healthcare. Research is conducted in cancer precision medicine, cancer immunotherapy, genomics and neurobiology, molecular tools and functional genomics, neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration, as well as vascular biology. Parts of the activities are also integrated with the departments of oncology, clinical genetics, clinical immunology, clinical pathology, and hospital physics at Uppsala University Hospital. The department has teaching assignments in several program educations, freestanding courses, and international master's programs within the medical faculty. The department has a turnover of approximately 500 million SEK, of which just over half is external research grants. The number of employees is about 345, of which about 100 are PhD students, and there are a total of over 700 active in the workforce. Please read more about the department's activities here: https://www.uu.se/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi (https://www.uu.se/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi)

https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

Job Description

The PhD student will participate in a research project aimed at mapping the spatial and molecular complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The project includes the development of high-throughput, high-resolution spatial biological methods.

Main tasks include experimental method development and optimization, generation of spatial and multi-omic datasets, and integration of transcriptional and epigenetic data. The PhD student will apply these methods to archived clinical tumor samples to identify clinically relevant features of TME associated with tumor progression and treatment response.

The position also includes data analysis in collaboration with computational biologists, interpretation of results in a biological and clinical context, and dissemination of research results through scientific publications and presentations at conferences.

Qualifications

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has:

• A master's degree (advanced level) in molecular biology, engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 30 higher education credits.
• Previous experience in single-cell biology.
• Previous laboratory experience in molecular and cell biology, such as PCR, cell culture, etc.
• Previous experience in computational biology, for example, data analysis of bulk RNA sequencing and scRNA sequencing.
• Good collaborative skills and good communication skills.
• Good knowledge in microscopy.
• Very good ability to express oneself in spoken and written English.

Regulations for PhD Students

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and at https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/ (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/)

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: (Xingqi Chen + 0184714072 + [email protected])

Welcome with your application by March 14, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/285

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]