PhD student in Data-driven molecular medicine

PhD student in Data-driven molecular medicine

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently conducted in the following areas: medical and clinical genetics, clinical immunology, pathology, neuro biology, neuro-oncology, vascular biology, radiation science and molecular tools. Department activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. The department has teaching assignments in several education programmes, including Master Programmes, at the Faculty of Medicine, and at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 500 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 345 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 700 affiliated people. Feel free to read more about the department's activities here: https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology

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The Data-driven life science (DDLS)  programme and research school

Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.3 billion SEK (about 290 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

In 2025 the DDLS Research School will be expanded with the recruitment of 19 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. During the course of the DDLS program more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/ 

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Then join us in this unique program!

At Uppsala university, we are announcing the position as DDLS PhD student in Data driven cell and molecular biology. Data driven cell and molecular biology covers research that fundamentally transforms our knowledge about how cells function by peering into their molecular components in time and space, from single molecules to native tissue environments.

A PhD position is available for a motivated student with experience in biostatistics, molecular epidemiology, biomedicine and large-scale computational analysis. The position is based in the research group led by Associate Professor Åsa Johansson at Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology. The group focuses on identifying risk factors for common diseases and developing models for risk prediction or patient stratification based on, among other things, molecular data. More information about the group’s activities can be found at: https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology/research/genomics-and-neurobiology/asa-johansson

The doctoral project is within the fields of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmaco-omics, where we utilize multi-omics molecular data, health-related data, and advanced data analysis techniques aiming to advance personalized medicine. The position is part of the research project titled "Personalized Medication Strategies to Enhance Efficacy and Reduce Adverse Effects." This project aims to unravel the complex relationships between medications and their effects on biological systems, and to identify key determinants of drug efficacy and adverse reactions. The long-term goal is to enable targeted interventions for the right individuals, based on their lifestyle, disease trajectories, and molecular profiles. To achieve this, we will apply deep learning models and advanced causal inference methods to large-scale multi-omics datasets, national health registers, and other comprehensive health-related data sources.

Duties

The doctoral position is intended for full-time doctoral studies for a maximum of four years. The holder of the position shall primarily devote their time to their own postgraduate education, but other duties such as teaching, supervising students, and administrative work may be included up to a maximum of 20 percent of the position. The employment will be extended in proportion to the time spent on teaching, to allow for four years of full-time doctoral studies. The successful candidate is also expected to take part in all course and other actives arranged by the DDLS research school and contribute to the DDLS programme. For more information, please see https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/ 

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

For the announced position, a degree (or substantially equivalent knowledge) in bioinformatics, precision medicine, molecular biotechnology, or a related field is required. A degree in biomedicine or biology may also be accepted if supplemented with advanced courses in bioinformatics, biostatistics, or computer science. Likewise, a degree in computer science or biostatistics may be considered if combined with advanced coursework in cell and molecular biology and genetics.

Experience working in a Unix/Linux environment, as well as documented experience in R or Python, is required. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is also essential.

Additional qualifications

Previous research experience (e.g., a thesis project) in bioinformatics or medical epidemiology, along with documented experience in large-scale data analysis, is considered an asset. Experience working with various types of omics data (such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, or metabolomics) is particularly valuable. Documented experience with machine learning and biostatistics is also highly meritorious.You can find information about education at postgraduate level, eligibility requirements and admission regulations at https://www.uu.se/en/disciplinary-domain/medicine-and-pharmacy/study/doctoral-studies   

Selection of applicants is made by the supervisor in consultation with the department's postgraduate education group and with DDLS representatives. The doctoral education committee in the discipline of medicine-pharmacy accepts the doctoral student.  Salary placement takes place according to local guidelines at Uppsala University.

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

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting no later than October 1st. Placement: Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Research group Åsa Johansson

For further information about the position, please contact: (Åsa Johansson, asa.johansson@igp.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 20 May 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1060.

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