PhD student in brain tumor research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

A doctoral position is available in Karin Forsberg Nilsson’s research group at Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology.
Our research focuses on the brain tumor types glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The group’s work aims to identify novel tumor-driving mutations in the non-coding regions of the cancer genome. We also run projects on the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on the proteoglycan components of the extracellular matrix. Our projects are directed toward discovering new molecular targets for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. Read more here: https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology/research/neuro-oncology-and-neurodegeneration/karin-forsberg-nilsson

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to study the mechanisms underlying development and spread of brain tumors. The position involves research on candidate genes as potential targets for future drug development in malignant brain tumors, using cellular and molecular biological analyses, as well as bioinformatic methods. The work will also include analysis of the brain tumor microenvironment, focusing on enzymes that regulate the biosynthesis and degradation of proteoglycans. Work with experimental brain tumors in mice and zebrafish is also part of the role.

The doctoral position entails full-time research studies for a maximum of four years. The holder of the doctoral position is expected to primarily engage in their own education at the research level, but other duties such as teaching and administrative tasks may be included up to a maximum of 20 percent of the position. The employment will be extended by the time spent on teaching to allow for four years of full-time doctoral studies.

Requirements

The applicant must have completed a Master’s degree at an advanced level in medicine, biomedicine, pharmacy, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field, or have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits.

Documented practical experience of experimental research involving the cultivation of primary tumor cells is required. Documented experience with standard techniques in cell and molecular biology, for example immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and cell-based assays, is also required.

The applicant must have excellent proficiency in spoken and written English.
Personal suitability will be given consideration.

Additional qualifications

Previous studies or research work involving brain tumors or brain development are considered a merit. Experience in analyzing models of intracranial brain tumors in mice is valued. Training equivalent to Function A according to Directive 2010/63/EU and SJVFS 2019:9 for work with laboratory animals is considered a merit.

Basic bioinformatics experience/knowledge is a merit, including familiarity with data analysis tools, genomic databases, gene expression analysis using web interfaces and bioinformatic platforms. Familiarity with statistical analysis and data visualization tools is also a merit.

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. 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 date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Karin Forsberg Nilsson, Karin.nilsson@igp.uu.se, 070 167 95 79

Please submit your application by 6th of November 2025,  UFV-PA 2025/2619.