PhD Student in Brain Tumor Research

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 

Duties
We are offering an exciting PhD project that aims to investigate the plasticity of primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma in adults and diffuse midline glioma in children. As brain tumors grow, tumor cells display significant variation in their differentiation and maturation states. Within the same tumor, cells may range from stem-like to highly differentiated states and can resemble different neuroglial cell populations, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Tumor cells can also activate reactive programs similar to those seen in brain injuries.

Our research group is focused on understanding how this variation among tumor cells arises and how it can be exploited to improve therapeutic strategies. For example; Can we force tumor cells to differentiate? Can we block tumor cell invasion through reprogramming? Is it possible to sensitize tumor cells to specific drugs through targeted reprogramming?

In this project, you will work with an innovative CRISPR-based tool, CRISPR-tags, developed within our group. By introducing fluorescent markers for different differentiation states, we can systematically identify both drugs and key genes that regulate differentiation in tumor cells derived from both adult and pediatric patients. Key methodologies in the project include; Genetic and pharmacological screening (in collaboration with Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden) as well as advanced experimental models, including organoids and grafting systems in mice.

You will work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team with close collaboration between researchers and supervisors. The principal supervisor is Professor Sven Nelander, and the co-supervisor is Associate Professor Fredrik Swartling. Additionally, you will join the recently established interdisciplinary center, CNSx3 (cnsx3.se) , which brings together leading research groups from Uppsala, Linköping, and Gothenburg.  Universities, as well as Chalmers University of Technology. This offers you the opportunity to contribute to and grow within an expanding and innovative research environment.

As a PhD student, you will combine research with coursework, teaching, and participation in various academic activities. The position provides an excellent foundation for a future career in advanced cancer research and therapeutic development.

Visit our webpage and read more; https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology/research/neuro-oncology-and-neurodegeneration/sven-nelander

Requirements

To be eligible for postgraduate education, the applicant must:

• Hold a master’s degree in molecular medicine or a related field.
• 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, or
• Have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way.

The position also requires:

• Education and in-depth knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, and tumor biology.
• Training and advanced experience in experimental molecular biology techniques relevant to working with patient-derived tumor cells, such as CRISPR and advanced microscopy (e.g., automated confocal microscopy).
• Proficiency in scientific methodology and statistical data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English, with the ability to contextualize your work and identify key questions and concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, with strong personal suitability.

For more information on postgraduate education, admission requirements, and selection regulations, please visit: https://www.uu.se/en/staff/disciplinary-domain/medicine-and-pharmacy/education-and-teaching/doctoral-studies.

Additional qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge and experience in neuro-oncology.
• Experience working with patient-derived brain tumor cells.
• Practical experience with CRISPR applications, such as targeted gene cassette insertion.
• Proficiency in data analysis using scripting languages like R or equivalent.
• Experience with image analysis software.

Mathematical knowledge relevant to collaboration with computational biologists (e.g., statistical testing, linear models, probability theory). 

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

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: Sven Nelander, sven.nelander@igp.uu.se

Please submit your application by 4 February, UFV-PA 2024/4082.

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