A 4-year funded PhD position in understanding the molecular and cellular crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system has become available at Umeå University, Sweden. The project is multidisciplinary – full training is given. We encourage applications from highly motivated individuals with a keen interest in cancer, neuroscience and developmental biology. The PhD is open to anyone who meets the criteria outlined below. The studentship provides an excellent training opportunity for a talented and ambitious student. The working ‘day to day’ language in the laboratory is English.

Description of the project:

During cancer progression tumours communicate with the nervous system resulting in worse cancer outcomes. While nervous system/tumour interactions are robustly documented at a histological level, the molecular mechanisms underling this, remain poorly understood. You will join an interdisciplinary collaborative team focusing on the signalling between the nervous system and tumours, leading to provocation of neural plasticity (such as growth and remodelling) and neurotropism of tumour cells (see lab web page). You will engage a systematic strategy to identify these mechanisms by examining how the nervous system forms, grows and is remodelled normally (i) during nervous system development and (ii) pathologically in tumour models leading to more aggressive cancer, with an initial focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The long-term goal of this work is to generate knowledge to minimise the influence of nerve/tumour interactions during cancer progression.

You will receive extensive training:

In addition to the research the successful candidate will conduct, you will also receive extensive training. You will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education programme which comprises 25 credits and will receive other training which will be tailored to your particular needs.

About the university and department:

The research is carried out in the laboratory of Associate Professor Sara Wilson located at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology (MTB), Umeå University, Sweden (see lab web page). MTB is an interdisciplinary department, which focuses on questions in basic and medical sciences and provides an interactive modern environment with good core facilities. Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

Formal eligibility requirements before you can start your PhD: 

By the time you start your PhD you must meet the following:

Basic eligibility for doctoral education is for those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (credits), of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country (HF Chapter 7, Section 39). Within the medical and dental programs, eight semesters of study constitute basic eligibility.

The specific requirements are that by the time you start the PhD you must have:

• Degrees and/or specialized professional knowledge related to the area indicated in this announcement.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Evaluation of English language skills will be done during the interview process and by presenting your thesis research plan to the Department’s designated postgraduate education group (in English).

This is how the position is assessed:

You need to have the above formal requirements at the time of PhD admission (you can apply before they are met e.g. during your Masters studies). Apart from these formal requirements, the most successful candidate will be selected based on the following merits – although full training will be given:

• Gained a basic theoretical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: medicine, biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, genetics, developmental biology, biotechnology, physiology, anatomy, cell biology or molecular biology (for example by a degree in this area).

• Research laboratory experience for example Masters thesis work, laboratory internship experience or work as a technician, project assistant or equivalent.

• Demonstrated skills/aptitudes/characteristics important for success of the project including a high level of motivation and commitment, a good aptitude/skills towards laboratory work and the willingness to learn. The applicant must also be organized, rigorous and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. The applicant can demonstrate these skills/aptitudes/characteristics for example by documented experiences and through references and though the interview process.

• Experience in the research area of the PhD or any techniques used in the project including imaging, cell culture, tumour migration assays, vertebrate embryonic model systems – especially mouse handling and genetics, mouse embryo electroporation and /or neurite outgrowth assays tumour biology, molecular biology techniques, tissue dissection, tumour models, histological techniques, anatomical tracing or bioinformatics will be viewed favourably although full training will be given.

This is how to apply:

You apply for the PhD position (reference number AN 2.2.1-1786-24), via our e-recruitment system here: https://umu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:783574  by the end of 23^rd February 2025. (this is the only method that applications can be made). Through this application portal you will also find further application information. The start date is by mutual agreement.

As part of your application, you should upload the following documents:

• A cover letter (not more than 1.5 A4 pages) where you explain clearly and succinctly your suitability for the position in relation to the qualifications, requirements, and merits in the announcement.
• Include a short (2 A4 pages) CV.
• Contact information for three referees should be included in your application, at least one of which should be a former laboratory supervisor.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Associate Professor Sara Wilson (sara.wilson@umu.se). Laboratory webpage: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/sara-wilson/

We look forward to your application!