PhD student in Pharmacognosy: Peptide-based inhibitors targeting blood cancer

Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences

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PhD student in Pharmacognosy: Peptide-based inhibitors targeting blood cancer

Duties
The doctoral project aims to develop novel peptide-based inhibitors to disrupt pathological interactions and selectively target Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

MPNs represent a spectrum of hematologic malignancies (blood cancers), characterized by abnormal proliferation of blood cells, chronic inflammation, and marrow fibrosis. A significant subset of MPNs (approximately 25%) arises from mutations in the calreticulin (CALR) protein, which activates the thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR) and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, driving disease progression.

To identify high-binding epitopes targeting mutant CALR, affnity-selection mass spectrometry will be used in conjunction with a designed screening library of peptides. The PhD studies will include methods in protein expression, solid phase peptide synthesis and NMR-based structure determination to understand the structural aspects important for mutant CALR binding to TPOR on cancer cells.  Once high binding epitopes are identified, these will be used to develop peptide drug conjugates aimed at facilitating cell penetration and harnessing cytotoxicity to target cancer cells.  Furthermore, the PhD studies include analyses of collected data using statistical methods, as well as course work and publication of scientific articles.  

The work includes own research and administrative and teaching duties.

Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as a doctoral student, the applicant must have obtained a master's degree in a field relevant to the project, such as pharmacy, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics, and have a good command of spoken and written English. Knowledge in Swedish is an asset, as some teaching is done in Swedish.

Personal suitability, motivation and interest in and experience of research in a relevant field are meritorious. Information about postgraduate studies, including eligibility requirements and admission rules, can be found at http://www.uu.se/vetenskapsomrade/medicin-och-farmaci/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva

Selection of candidates is made by the supervisors in consultation with the department's group for postgraduate studies. The PhD student will be formally accepted by the Research Training Committee at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy and salary placement is done according to local guidelines at Uppsala University. The holder of a PhD-student position shall primarily devote her or his time to own research studies. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative duties, can be part of the position (max 20%).

Experience of research in the field of peptide/protein chemistry, cancer biology, and/or pharmacognosy is an asset, as is completed MSc Pharmacy education, including the practice in the pharmacy. Hands on experiences in peptide synthesis, protein expression, mass spectrometry, separation science are also considered as merits.

How to apply

The application should include:

1.  a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for this position (maximum 1 page),
2.  your CV,
3.  a brief description of your education,
4.  a copy of your master's degree and your course grades, along with a copy of your master's thesis,
5.  names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and any publications if applicable.

The application should be written in English.

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible as agreed.

Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Docent Sunithi Gunasekera Sunithi.Gunasekera@uu.se, and professor Ulf Göransson e-post Ulf.Goransson@uu.se

For further information about employment conditions, please contact: administrative manager Marina Rönngren, e-post marina.ronngren@uu.se

Please submit your application by may 14th 2025, UFV-PA 2025/386.