PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.
The Biomedical Engineering research group at the Department of Health, Education and Technology is searching for a PhD student to work on ion channels as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in endometriosis and ovarian cancer, in close collaboration with Umeå University Hospital.

As a PhD student you will have a great opportunity to be a part of a research group at LTU, which operates in a dynamic, international research environment in close collaboration with medical doctors in hospitals and with leading universities all over the world. You will also be a part of the graduate school within PRECISE – Innovative Precision Health for the Attractive Society - which is a strategic research & education area at LTU.

Subject description
Biomedical Engineering includes development of technologies and their use to detect, prevent, monitor, treat or limit injury and illness while promoting health and well-being.

Project description
The proposed work “Precision Health for Women: Novel Protein Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Intervention in Endometriosis and Related Epithelial Ovarian Cancer” is multidisciplinary in nature and will involve a team from Biomedical Engineering, Department of Health, Education and Technology and Electronic Systems, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering at LTU and clinical researchers from Umeå University Hospital. The overall aim of this project is to elucidate the contribution of cell membrane transport proteins, such as ion channels, to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and related types of epithelial ovarian cancer and study their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Duties
You will work in a highly multidisciplinary research team and perform biological sample preparation, primary cell culture, advanced characterization of primary cells using digital holographic microscopy, mRNA, Western Blot, and immunohistochemistry techniques. Your research will also include the development of bioelectronic and microfluidic platforms to assess the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of ion channels expressed in endometriotic and cancerous primary cells. Experimental research will be carried out in close collaboration with and using the research laboratories and scientific instruments at LTU and Umeå University Hospital. You will be expected to discuss your progress frequently with your supervisor and co-supervisors at regularly scheduled project meetings. As a PhD student, you will be expected to have strong analytical and communication skills, to perform both experimental and theoretical work in your research studies, and to present your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time (ca. three of the four years of the PhD program in total) will be devoted to your own research studies. You will participate in mandatory and recommended PhD-courses (ca. one of the four years of the PhD program). The tasks also include participating in seminar activities and other forms of research exchange within the PRECISE Graduate School.

Qualifications
We are looking for you that have a background in biochemistry/cell biology/biophysics/life sciences and equivalent. You will be qualified for this position if you have a MSc degree in biological or life sciences including biochemistry/biotechnology/biophysics or equivalent. Since this position involves a significant amount of practical work, it is an advantage if the applicant has a solid interest in experimental work and data analysis. Experience in primary cell culture, calcium imaging, bioelectronics, microfluidics, clinical trials, and knowledge of gynecological diseases would be considered an asset. You should be able to speak and write English at a high level.

For further information about a specific subject see General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 10 %. Placement: Luleå. Starting: September 2023.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Fredrik Nikolajeff, +46(0)705315810, fredrik.nikolajeff@ltu.se or Dr Oliya Abdullaeva, +46 738335578, oliya.abdullaeva@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV (including two references), a personal letter (1-2 pages describing your previous experience and qualifications relevant to the position), and copies of verified diplomas from high schools and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Reference number: 2385-2023
Last day of application: June 25, 2023