PhD position in laboratory medicine

Description of the workplace
The Experimental Oncology research group at the Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, led by Professor Kristian Pietras, is driven by the conviction that a tumour is a communicating organ consisting of several cell types that jointly develop into the deadly disease cancer. Tumors are heterogeneous and contain malignant cells with different proliferative and metastatic potential. While it is a well-established fact that the tumor microenvironment strongly contributes to a tumor’s growth and development, we do not know much about heterogeneity within cell types in the tumor stroma. Our strategy combines high-resolution studies of basic biological concepts with advanced mouse models of cancer and exclusive clinical patient data to investigate the role of the microenvironment in cancer initiation, progression and resistance to treatment.

What we offer
Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will have special benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension. We also have a flexitime agreement that creates good conditions for work/life balance.
Read more on the University’s website about being a Lund University employee,
Work at Lund University.

Work duties and area of responsibility
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß superfamily consists of more than 30 members that regulate cell fate, proliferation, growth arrest and apoptosis in various cell types. Our studies suggest that direct targeting of ALK1 is the most efficient means of exploiting TGF-ß signaling in stromal cells therapeutically. While ALK1 has historically been viewed as an endothelial cell-restricted receptor, our recent studies have identified its expression also in immuno-suppressive macrophages. Inhibition of ALK1 improves the efficacy of immunotherapy as a result of profound alterations in the immune cell landscape. Here, we will mechanistically explore the role for ALK1 at the crossroads of vascular biology and tumor immunity.

Qualifications
The requirements for the position are:

• M.Sc. in a relevant field, or equivalent
• Completed higher education courses in Oncology
• Experience from research in Oncology with resulting publications
• Experience from research with experimental animal models
• Experience from research employing mulitiplex immunohistochemistry

 Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Completed MD education
• Experience from various educational research projects

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 criterion
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.

Further information
Fixed-term employment for four years in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (HF).
The position is a doctoral studentship (PhD position), full-time (100%),
with a start date of 1 September 2026 or according to agreement.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University’s recruitment system. The application should include:

• A CV detailing qualifications and experience relevant to the position.
• A cover letter explaining the applicant’s suitability and motivation for the position.
• Degree certificates.
• Contact details for two referees.