Doctoral student in medicine with focus on molecular epidemiology Full-time

Doctoral Student in Medicine with Focus on Molecular Epidemiology

The Integrative Pancreatic Cancer Research (iPanCare) group at the Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Lund University, conducts research in the field of precision diagnostics and medicine of pancreatic cancer. This group is led by Associate Senior Lecturer Dr. Qiaoli Wang, as part of the SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS). Group members are enrolled in the national programs of SciLifeLab and DDLS, as well as the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Lund University. Attending national schools, various research activities and retreats offered by these programs will facilitate the group members' nationwide networks and multidisciplinary collaborations. Working in a young team, group members will benefit from first-hand guidance from the principal investigator and freedom of exploring exciting projects within the research area.

The Department of Translational Medicine (ITM) is now announcing a vacancy for a position at the doctoral program and employment as a doctoral student within molecular epidemiology.

Doctoral program subject: Medical science

Description of the project: We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral student working on molecular epidemiology in pancreatic cancer, with special focus on biomarker discovery. The research project aims to understand the role of extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer development and to investigate novel biomarkers for early detection of this lethal disease. The project involves experimental methodology development, high-throughput data analysis, and working with large population-based cohorts and clinical biobanks. The student will learn how to scientifically assess the study quality, perform appropriate study design, conduct high-quality omics analyses and statistical and machine-learning based modeling, as well as gaining a deeper understanding in extracellular vesicle biology.

Work duties and responsibilities: The main task for a doctoral student is to devote yourself to your doctoral studies, therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. Your work will include conducting research studies, which involves participation in research projects as well as completion of compulsory courses within the doctoral program. Within the research projects, you will design studies, perform translational experiments, collect and clean data, perform analyses, interpret results, and present your findings in scientific publications and at national and international conferences. You are expected to actively participate in seminars and research group meetings, develop and maintain close collaboration with supervisors and colleagues, and plan, structure, and drive your work forward in accordance with your individual study plan. The position involves work with human samples but does not involve work with laboratory animals or cells.

Qualifications: General eligibility for doctoral education is fulfilled by applicants who have:

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

Specific eligibility requirements are fulfilled by applicants who have:

• At least 60 higher education credits within the subject area relevant to the doctoral program
• Proficiency in English corresponding to at least three years of upper secondary education
• In order for students with degrees obtained outside the Nordic countries to be admitted to doctoral education at the Faculty, English language proficiency corresponding to a passing score on a TOEFL or IELTS test is required

Specific requirements for the position are:

• A Master's degree in molecular epidemiology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a closely related field
• Good knowledge of cancer biology and extracellular vesicles
• Research experience in extracellular vesicle biomarkers
• Skills in common lab works such as ultracentrifugation, ELISA, and flowcytometry
• Dedication to cancer biomarker research
• Have strong analytical skills in high-throughput data
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, initiative, creativity and collaborative, have perseverance, stability, structured working approach and a solution-oriented mindset
• Very good scientific presentation and writing skills
• Good oral and written communication skills in English

Meritorious for the position are:

• Experimental experience of working with human samples
• Hands-on experience of omics data analysis for biomarker discovery, or machine learning techniques
• Good publication records
• Lab management skills
• Experience of working in an international environment

Priority will be given to applicants who have graduated no more than three years before the closing date for applications.

Assessment criteria and selection: 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 and research experience are normally the primary basis for assessment. In this context, breadth, depth and relevance, as well as elements of independent work, will be taken into account.

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

About the employment: The position is a fixed-term doctoral studentship for four years on a full-time basis (100%) (in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance), with a planned start date of 1 October 2026, or as otherwise agreed.

As a general rule, work at Lund University is performed in Sweden, which means that you are expected to carry out your duties on site in Malmö.

Regulations governing employment as a doctoral student are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1998:80). Only individuals admitted to third-cycle studies (doctoral education) may be appointed to such a position. Further information is available on the University's website.

How to apply: The position is sought via the university's recruitment system. Applications should include a letter of personal motivation, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application should 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.).