PhD position in the molecular and cellular communication between cancer and the nervous system

PhD position in the molecular and cellular communication between cancer and the nervous system At the Department of Medical and translational Biology

Overview:

A 4-year PhD position in understanding the molecular and cellular crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system has become available at Umeå University, Sweden. 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.

PhD-programe:

You who are admitted to doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education programme. The doctoral programme comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study variants: 25 credits spread over 8 terms (a total of 4 years) or over 12 terms (a total of 6 years), starting each autumn and spring semester. More information about the programme can be found on the faculty’s web page for doctoral studies (Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Medicine - Handbook (umu.se)).

Description of the PhD-project:

During cancer progression tumors communicate with the nervous system resulting in worse cancer outcomes. While nervous system/tumor 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 signaling between the nervous system and tumors, leading to provocation of neural plasticity (such as growth and remodeling) and neurotropism of tumor 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 remodeled (i) normally during nervous system development and (ii) pathologically in tumor models leading to a more aggressive cancer, with an initial focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

The long-term goal of this work is to generate knowledge to minimize the influence of nerve/tumor interactions during disease progression.

Eligibility:

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.

Specific requirements:

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).

Merits:

Preference will be given to candidates that can demonstrate the following:

• 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.
• 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.

To apply the following documents must be uploaded:

A cover letter (not more than 1.5 A4 pages) in which you explain clearly and succinctly your suitability for the position in relation to the above qualifications, requirements, and merits. 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.

Further information and informal enquiries: Associate Professor Dr. Sara Wilson sara.wilson@umu.se

Formal information:

Contact: Universitetslektor Sara Wilson, sara.wilson@umu.se,