PhD student position in medical science

University of Gothenburg
Telefon: 031-786 0000
Hemsida: www.gu.se


The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 37 000 students and 6 000 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Arbetsplats:
Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine

Titel:
PhD student position in medical science - Rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenesis and treatment

Diary id: PAR 2017/79. Project title: Lymphocytes and synoviocytes in the pathogenesis of early and established rheumatoid arthritis. Job assignments: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) an acute inflammatory phase is followed by a chronic and persistent phase. The immunological drivers are different in the two phases; although it is not yet clear what factors are the strongest drivers in early and established RA. By early aggressive treatment targeting immunological factors involved in the acute phase the progression into the chronic phase may stop. In this project you will analyze cells from synovial biopsies as well as synovial fluid sampled from patients with early and established RA, and the T-cell subtypes associated with the different stages will be determined. Using the same biopsies, T-cell cytokines from different subtypes will be assessed for their ability to activate synovial fibroblasts into immunologically active cells that can produce B-cell activating factors. This is important as B-cell follicles in the synovial lining are a hallmark of established aggressive RA. You will also be involved in evaluating the effect of treatment on the frequencies of the circulating T-cell phenotypes in a subgroup of a prospective, randomized, 4-arm investigator-initiated clinical trial in newly diagnosed untreated early RA, comparing conventional treatment three different biological treatments. The changes in the frequencies of the specific T-cell subtypes will be related to the clinical response to treatment. Thus, this is a translational project spanning from studies of biological mechanisms in the laboratory to clinical research. The research group led by Prof Anna Rudin, who is the main supervisor, works both in a laboratory environment at Dept of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research at The Sahlgrenska Academy and at the Clinical Rheumatology Research Centre at The Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Eligibility:
To be admitted to third-cycle studies you must fulfill both the general and the specific entry requirements. The general entry requirements is fulfilled if you have: 1. completed a degree at a second-cycle level, or 2. completed at least 240 credits worth of studies of which at least 60 credits must be at a second-cycle level, or 3. acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. The specific entry requirement is fulfilled if you have completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies.


KONTAKTPERSON

Funktion: Project supervisor
Namn: Anna Rudin
E-post: anna.rudin@gu.se

Telefon: 0701 424253