PhD position in the project “Molecular and functional characterization of acute leukemia with KMT2A-gene rearrangements”

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace

We are now looking for a highly driven PhD student who will work on the PhD project “Molecular and functional characterization of acute leukemia with KMT2A-gene rearrangements”.

The Division of Clinical Genetics, within the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, conducts research in cancer genetics and new targeted cancer treatments. The department consists of ten research groups with a total of approximately 60 employees, fostering strong collaboration within a well-integrated research environment.

In our research group, we utilize large-scale sequencing, molecular genetics, as well as functional in vivo models to understand how pediatric leukemia arises and develops. Our long-term goals are to use in-depth knowledge of leukemia biology to identify new diagnostic and prognostication markers and targets for novel therapy. Learn more here: Division of Clinical Genetics

The research primarily focuses on understanding the biology of infant leukemia with genetic alterations of the KMT2A gene. The working language is English, and the research group is led by Professor Anna Hagström. The position is based at BMC in Lund.

As a workplace, we prioritize a positive work environment with respect and care in our interactions with one another.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular 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.

Work duties and areas of responsibility

In addition to following the study plan for the doctoral education, as well as participating in relevant courses for the education, the following tasks are also included:

• High-resolution methods such as large-scale sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of data from large-scale sequencing, including single-cell sequencing data.
• DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, cell culture, and working with experimental animal models.
• The applicant is expected to be able to independently interpret and acquire new knowledge.
• The working hours may include weekends at time.

The doctoral student must actively participate in seminars and other important meetings and present the project at meetings in accordance with the study plan. Work with animal models is included.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Documented research experience in genetics.
• Strong analytical skills, drive, and good ability to collaborate.
• Excellent proficiency in English.

Requirements for employment

• Experience in working with large-scale sequencing data and analyzing mutation, copy number and structural variant data.
• Experience in cell culturing and working sterile.
• Experience form Flow Cytometry.
• Experience from using R-studio.
• Strong knowledge of tumor biology, cancer genetics.
• Basic knowledge about animal work.
• Ability to interpret and acquire new knowledge, as well as to compile data for presentations and to read and interpret scientific articles.
• The tasks will be carried out in close collaboration with other group members, and therefore, strong teamwork skills are required.
• Very good reading and writing comprehension in English.

Emphasis will be put on personal qualities. We are looking for someone who is driven, curious and taking responsibility. As the research group has an international environment, good communication skills and collaboration skills are required. In addition, the duties require organizational skills and ability to prioritize duties.

Additional qualifications for the position

• A strong background in medicine.

Further information

Temporary employment of four years, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance –
HF 5 kap 7§ in Sweden. The employment is a full term position with the desired start date of April 15, 2026, or according to agreement.

Eligibility

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.

Assessment basis

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.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificates 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.).

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine is one of six departments at Lund University’s Faculty of Medicine. We conduct leading research, both broad and specialised, within the field of laboratory medicine, focusing on the onset of disease and how we can improve diagnostics and treatment for patients. Some of our strongest areas with world-class research deal with cancer, genetics and blood.