PhD position in Neurosurgery, with a Focus on Malignant Brain Tumours

Description of the Workplace
The PhD project will be conducted in neurosurgery, with a focus on malignant brain tumours. The research group conducts experimental and translational research in neurosurgery, with close links to clinical practice. The research integrates preclinical brain tumour models, cell-based methods, and studies of human biological samples. The doctoral student will become part of a multidisciplinary research environment in which experimental and clinical expertise are closely integrated.
Within the research group, we strive to conduct internationally competitive research while also maintaining a positive working environment characterised by respect and consideration. We also place great importance on ensuring that everyone feels involved, stimulated and supported.
The Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund is recruiting a doctoral student in the third-cycle subject of Medical Science – Neurosurgery, within the doctoral project “Multimodal treatment of malignant brain tumours”. The position is based at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Work Assignments
As a doctoral student, you will primarily undertake doctoral studies through independent research under supervision within the project “Multimodal treatment of malignant brain tumours”.
The doctoral project focuses on local treatment of malignant brain tumours and how local neurosurgical treatment strategies can affect tumour cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The project includes local drug delivery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and experimental laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). Treatment effects will be studied in cell-based systems, orthotopic experimental brain tumour models and, where relevant, in human brain tumour and biobank material. The project has a clear translational link to clinical neurosurgery.
Aim and Implementation of the Project
The aim of this four-year doctoral project is to conduct research in experimental and translational neurosurgery, focusing on malignant brain tumours. The project aims to develop and evaluate local treatment strategies and combination therapies, as well as to investigate their effects on tumour biology and the tumour immune microenvironment.

Work Duties

The doctoral student’s main responsibility is to undertake doctoral studies through independent research under supervision. The work will be carried out within the framework of the doctoral project “Multimodal treatment of malignant brain tumours”. You will plan, conduct, analyse and document experiments in experimental neurosurgery.
The work duties include:
working with orthotopic experimental animal models of brain tumours
local intracranial or intratumoral administration of drugs or other substances, including the use of micro-osmotic pumps
cell culture and cell-based experiments, including performing and analysing in vitro assays
experimental combination treatments, including local chemotherapy, radiotherapy and LITT, where relevant
handling, processing and analysis of human brain tumour tissue and biobank samples
collection, statistical analysis and compilation of experimental data, as well as presentation and publication of research findings
active participation in the research group’s scientific activities and in national and international collaborations.
Other duties may also be assigned.

Qualifications

Basic eligibility
Eligibility for third-cycle studies requires:
a second-cycle (master’s) degree, or completed courses totalling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or
equivalent knowledge acquired in another way.
Specific eligibility
Specific eligibility requirements include:
a relevant second-cycle degree or equivalent qualification in medicine, biomedicine, biology, molecular biology or another closely related field within the life sciences
documented research experience in experimental biomedical or neuroscience research relevant to the project or a closely related field
documented practical experience of experimental animal techniques relevant to neuroscience or tumour biology research
documented experience of cell culture, cell-based experiments and in vitro assays, as well as experience of handling and processing human biobank samples
very good oral and written proficiency in English
the ability to work independently and with perseverance, combined with strong analytical, writing and collaborative skills.
Desirable Qualifications
The following qualifications are considered advantageous:
a medical degree or equivalent qualification in medicine
specific research experience in experimental neuro-oncology
experience of orthotopic or other preclinical brain tumour models and local intracerebral or intratumoral drug administration
experience of diagnostic imaging in experimental animals
experience of translational research combining experimental models with human biological samples
documented scientific publications in a field relevant to the project.

Assessment criteria

Selection among eligible applicants will be based on:
scientific maturity and analytical ability
motivation, independence and collaborative skills
capacity to successfully complete doctoral studies
the extent to which the applicant’s background and experience are considered to contribute to the successful completion of the project.

Terms of employment

The position is a full-time, fixed-term doctoral student position for four years (48 months), in accordance with the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance. The intended start date is 1 February 2027, or as agreed.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).
Welcome to apply!
The Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund is one of six departments within the Faculty of Medicine. The department maintains extensive collaborations both within the faculty and with other units at Lund University. It also has well-established partnerships with Skåne University Hospital (SUS), Region Skåne, and external stakeholders in society and industry. These collaborations support clinical and experimental translational research, development, and education.