Vacant job

Do you want to work on groundbreaking research on non-coding RNA in skin cancer and inflammatory skin diseases, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a doctoral position at the Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University.

The Department of Medical Sciences is a large clinical department with approximately 250 employees and over 900 individuals affiliated via Akademiska Sjukhuset (University Hospital). The department has a broad research profile with strong research groups in a number of areas. Research takes place in close connection with clinical operations at Akademiska sjukhuset and includes both basic studies on disease causes and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More information about the department's activities can be found at https://www.uu.se/institution/medicinska-vetenskaper/ (https://www.uu.se/institution/medicinska-vetenskaper/)

The Research Group in Dermatology and Venereology is located at the Biomedical Center (BMC) and conducts experimental and translational research focusing on regulatory RNA in skin cancer and inflammatory skin diseases. The group collaborates closely with clinical researchers at Akademiska sjukhuset and has established national and international networks within dermatology and RNA biology.

We offer a dynamic and international research environment at a leading European university. Here, you will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, with access to modern laboratories and infrastructure, as well as close collaborations with clinical partners. Read more about the group at:

• Squamous cell carcinoma and keratinocyte cancer of the skin
• Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Job Description

The skin is the body's largest organ and serves as an important barrier against the environment. Disturbances in the normal biology of the skin underlie a number of common diseases, including skin cancer and chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common and fastest-growing forms of cancer with metastatic potential in Sweden.

The project aims to identify cellular and molecular programs associated with invasion competence in cSCC, and to functionally characterize long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as regulators of clinically relevant cancer phenotypes. The project also includes studies on the role of ncRNAs in chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Performing cell biological and molecular biological experiments in cell models of cancer and inflammation (knockdown/overexpression of lncRNAs, phenotypic analyses, Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence)
• Processing and bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data (bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq)
• Tissue analysis including RNAscope-based RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on skin biopsies
• Collaborating with clinical researchers at Akademiska sjukhuset as well as national and international partners
• Writing scientific articles and presenting results at seminars and conferences

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral studies is granted to those who have

• completed an advanced degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

In addition, the following is required:

• Practical experience with molecular biological and cell biological methods
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and drive projects
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written

Desirable/Additional Qualifications

• Experience working with RNA biology, including non-coding RNAs (lncRNA or microRNA)
• Experience with CRISPR-based methods, siRNA/siPool knockdown, or antisense oligonucleotides
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatic analysis of sequence data (RNA-seq, e.g., in R or Python)
• Experience in cancer or skin biology
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, or immunofluorescence

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

About the Position

The employment is fixed-term, according to HEO Chapter 5, Section 7. The position is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information

For information about the position, please contact: Andor Pivarcsi, +46 738330057, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Please submit your application by June 19, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1846.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to provide education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is 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 a security check. As part of the security check, approval is a prerequisite for employment.

We kindly decline offers of assistance regarding recruitment and advertising.

Applications are received through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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