Doctoral student in medicine with focus on liver cancer Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Medicine With Focus On Liver Cancer

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Medical Science

The Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö (IKVM) is now announcing a PhD position in Hepatology within the research group for Metabolic Disorders And Liver Disease. The research group’s aim is to define and understand the biological processes underlying fatty liver disease. Our research is fundamental, employing animal models, human samples, biochemistry, histology, and cell biology experiments. Our long-term goal is to contribute to the development of new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where effective therapies are still lacking. The research group and workplace is located in Malmö. The group is led by Professor Philipp Kaldis.

Within our international research group, we aim to create a positive, respectful, and stimulating environment. We value high motivation, self-learning, being proactive, efficient communication, fruitful collaboration, and a workplace that promotes learning and development for all employees. We are also committed to building a safe and positive environment for all employees through mutual respect and tolerance.

The project aims to develop new treatments for liver cancer caused by obesity, a disease that is increasing dramatically in tandem with the obesity epidemic. The project aims to identify new genes that drive the development of obesity-induced liver cancer, and to test whether they can serve as a target for drugs. In parallel, we are evaluating new innovative treatments involving metabolic inhibitors that starve cancer cells by blocking nutrients. The goal is to develop preclinical evidence for new therapies tailored to this growing obese patient population.

The main tasks of a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral education and therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. Your primary task is to carry out your doctoral research, which includes participating in research projects and completing mandatory courses. Work duties include immunostaining, analysis of human and mouse tissue, handling of omics data, and cell culture and biochemistry studies. Other tasks within the research group and conference participation (1 time/year) may also occur.

General eligibility for third-cycle (doctoral) education is held by anyone who has:

• been awarded a degree at second-cycle (Master's) level, or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

The specific eligibility requirements are fulfilled by applicants who have:

• at least 60 higher education credits within the subject area of medical science
• knowledge of English corresponding to at least three years of upper secondary school education.

Requirements for employment are:

• Master's degree in biological sciences
• Experience of working with mice
• Good knowledge of liver (cancer) biology
• Excellent mastery of a wide range of experimental approaches
• Excellent written and oral proficiency in English.

Emphasis will be placed on the following personal qualities:

• Highly motivated and willing to learn
• Able to work in an international environment
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of researchers

In accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance, selection shall primarily be based on an assessment of the applicants' ability to benefit from the education. In admission decisions, the applicant's merits from previous education are normally the primary basis for assessment. In this context, breadth, depth, and relevance, as well as elements of independent work, shall be taken into account.

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension.

The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a preliminary start date 2026-07-01 or according to agreement. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Malmö.

For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty and salary is set according to the current salary scale.

The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).