Doctoral student in medicine with focus on molecular epidemiology (PA2026/2346)

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.

About the workplace

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. We care about creating a positive, respectful, and stimulating environment. We value communication and collaboration and a workplace that promotes learning and development for all employees. Our team is an international and dynamic hub with great young talents from any levels and with different skill backgrounds including epidemiology, statistics, bioinformatics, and cancer biology. We have both “dry lab” and “wet lab” components. Currently the group consists of 1 associate senior lecturer, 1 postdoctoral researcher, 1 statistician (part-time), 1 doctoral student, 2 project assistants, and several master students and medical students. Our group is located in the core Clinical Cancer Center at Malmö, Sweden.

About 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research studies, including participation in research projects and completion of compulsory courses within the doctoral program
• Design studies, perform translational experiments, collect and clean data, perform analyses, interpret results, and present findings in scientific publications and at national and international conferences
• Actively participate in seminars and research group meetings
• Develop and maintain close collaboration with supervisors and colleagues
• 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.

Requirements

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 (for students with degrees obtained outside the Nordic countries, 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 flow cytometry
• Dedication to cancer biomarker research
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension
• As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee, which gives you several benefits

Schedule and pay

The position is a fixed-term doctoral studentship for four years on a full-time basis (100%), 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. Salary is monthly.