PhD position in PET imaging of immune cells and fibrosis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Research group

Eriksson lab (Translational PET Imaging research group) is located by the Rudbeck Laboratory at Uppsala University. Eriksson lab is associated with Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/olof-eriksson) and focuses on development of molecular imaging methodologies for improved diagnosis, management and treatment of metabolic disease and cancer (https://www.ilk.uu.se/research-groups/translational-imaging). The research group is a part of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry (www.ilk.uu.se) and currently consists of 7 researchers including 2 doctoral students.

Duties/Project description:

The aim of the project is to develop and evaluate PET radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo molecular imaging of immune cells and fibrosis. Recruitment of immune cells is an important protective mechanism in response to e.g. infections or cancer. However, chronic or dys-regulated inflammation can instead be responsible for promoting disease and is associated to e.g. metabolic disease and COVID19 lung injury. Similarly, fibrosis is in normal physiology an encapsulating and reparatory process in response to injury. However, excess formation and deposition of connective tissue, i.e. pathological formation of fibrosis, is an important feature in diseases affecting e.g. liver and lung.

It is today very difficult to study immune cell and fibrosis in the human body, without resorting to biopsy. This project will develop PET radiopharmaceuticals, which specifically targets different populations of immune cells, as well as critical processes involved in the formation of fibrosis. 

The PhD student will be responsible for the in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of PET radiopharmaceuticals in different disease models including immunotherapy of cancer and lung inflammation. The project will be performed in close collaboration with a team of radiochemists, biologists and clinicians. Apart from research, the PhD student may participate in teaching and routine maintenance of the lab.  

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated student for a PhD position. We welcome applications from candidates that already have, or who expect to soon have, a Master of Science degree in biomedicine, engineering, natural sciences, pharmacy, medicine, chemistry or similar.

The applicant must be fluent in English with excellent communication skills.

Additional qualifications: Experience of laboratory evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals including in vitro assays (cells/ autoradiography) and in vivo assays (biodistribution, PET/SPECT/CT/MRI imaging, image analysis) is an advantage. Completed courses in laboratory animal science (e.g. FELASA C) or radiation protection are an advantage.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1

Application:

The application should preferably be written in English and contain a cover letter describing the applicant’s research interests, an updated CV including a list of previous publications (if any), as well as copies of diplomas and certificates of higher academic degrees. Also include information about previous experience of research and why you would like to be enrolled as a PhD student. Please also attach contact details (name, e-mail, phone number) to at least two referees and/or letters of recommendation. 

Selection process: Selection of candidates is based on qualifications, previous work and/or research experience within the field, and personal suitability. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews as soon as possible after the application deadline. The enrolment will then be approved by the Medicine and Pharmacy disciplinary domain at Uppsala University.

Rules governing PhD candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines.

Information about education at the postgraduate level, admission requirements and admission decisions can be found at https://mp.uu.se/web/info/forska/forskarutbildning/medicin-och-farmaci/

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 01-09-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the research project please contact: Associate senior lecturer/Assistant Professor Olof Eriksson, mail: olof.eriksson@ilk.uu.se

For further information about the position please contact: (Head of Department Anders Karlén, mail: anders.karlen@ilk.uu.se

Please submit your application by 31 July 2020, UFV-PA 2020/2495.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.