PhD student in deep-learning based image analysis for RNA Therapeutics Full-time

PhD Student In Deep-Learning Based Image Analysis For RNA Therapeutics

Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund

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.

Section of Oncology, RNA Therapeutics in Cancer Anders Wittrup research group (RNA Therapeutics in Cancer), is located on the Gunnar Nilsson floor of Kamprad House, in close proximity to the Oncology Clinic at Skåne University Hospital (SUS) in Lund. The floor hosts several laboratories that primarily focus on primary brain tumors. The Wittrup group works with a range of techniques to improve RNA delivery to tumors, as well as developing methods to study and characterize these processes.

Within the research group, we highly value a positive work environment characterized by respect and care in our relationships with one another. We continuously strive to create conditions that promote job satisfaction, professional development, and participation for all employees.

The research group is now recruiting a full-time PhD student (100%), with a start date of 1st October 2026 (or according to agreement). The position is a DDLS PhD student in Data Driven Cell and Molecular Biology. Data driven cell and molecular biology covers research that fundamentally transforms our knowledge about how cells function by peering into their molecular components in time and space, from single molecules to native tissue environments.

Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to establish globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of SEK 3.3 billion over 12 years by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW).

In 2026, the DDLS Research School will be expanded through the recruitment of 25 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. Over the course of the DDLS program, more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdoctoral researchers will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program comprises four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology; evolution and biodiversity; precision medicine and diagnostics; and epidemiology and biology of infection.

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Join us in this unique program!

Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get benefits, generous annual leave, and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee: Work at Lund University

The PhD student will be responsible for the analysis of advanced 4D live-cell microscopy data, with a particular focus on identifying and characterizing rare endosomal escape events. The tasks include developing, training, and validating deep learning–based models for event detection and vesicle tracking, and integrating these models into automated analysis and imaging workflows.

The work also involves managing and quantitatively analyzing large-scale image datasets, method development in close collaboration with supervisors and research collaborators, and biological interpretation of results. In addition, the position includes documentation, presentation of results, and contributing to the writing of scientific publications.

Additional duties may be assigned within the scope of the position.

A Master's degree or equivalent in bioinformatics, engineering physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, biomedicine, biotechnology, or another relevant field.

Documented experience in programming or quantitative data analysis, for example in Python, MATLAB, or similar environments.

A strong interest in method development at the interface between biology and artificial intelligence.

Strong collaborative skills, analytical ability, and the capacity to work independently.

Education or training in computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, bioinformatics, advanced microscopy, cell biology, or RNA biology.

Education in mathematical statistics.

Experience in deep learning, computer vision, or neural network development.

Experience with live-cell microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, or analysis of 3D/4D image data.

Experience in cell biological or molecular biological laboratory work, particularly related to intracellular trafficking, endosomal biology, or RNA delivery.

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. The proposed start date is October 1st 2026, or as agreed.

Applications are to be submitted via the University's recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome to apply!