PhD position in Breast/ lung cancer

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.

Division of Breast/lungcancer
The Breast and Lung Cancer Research Group is located at Medicon Village together with other research groups within Lund University Cancer Center. The research focuses on improving the molecular understanding of lung and breast cancer and on translating research findings into clinical diagnostics.

The work includes analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and DNA methylation data across different tumor subgroups, using both in-house and public cohorts, with the aim of identifying novel molecular subgroups, therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

The group is interdisciplinary, with expertise in areas such as molecular biology, medicine, and bioinformatics, and works in close collaboration with clinical practice. Collaborations take place both nationally and internationally, and the research environment is characterized by openness, creativity, and knowledge exchange.

The research group is now recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral student, starting June 16, 2026 (or as agreed).

We offer
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

Work assignments
In addition to following the individual study plan for doctoral education and participating in relevant courses, duties include:

• In vitro and ex vivo cell culture of breast and lung cancer cells
• Use of high-resolution methods such as large-scale sequencing
• Multiplex IHC and image analysis
• Data analysis and programming in R
• Independent interpretation of results and acquisition of new knowledge and methods
• Active participation in seminars, conferences, and meetings at local, regional, and international levels
• Presentation of research projects

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

Qualifications

Requirements for the Position

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology or equivalent
• Experience in cell culture and sterile techniques
• Experience with R/RStudio
• Experience in translational cancer research
• Strong knowledge of tumor biology
• Ability to interpret scientific literature, acquire new knowledge, and compile data
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written

As a person, you are motivated, curious, and responsible. You are also expected to have good organizational skills and the ability to structure and prioritize your work effectively.

Merits:

• Courses in tumor biology and immunology
• Experience in gene modulation (e.g., siRNA, CRISPR-Cas9)
• Experience working with patient-derived organoids
• Experience in functional assays within cell culture
• Practical experience with molecular methods for RNA/protein expression
• Knowledge of lung and breast cancer

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.

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 June 16th 2026, or as agreed.

How to apply
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!