Open Position: Doctoral student in Medical Science - Extracellular vesicles in cancer

At the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, to join Rossella Crescitelli group at The Department of Surgery Institute of Clinical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy.

Project title: The importance of extracellular vesicles in tumor tissues

The project will focus on extracellular vesicles, a heterogeneous group of bilayer membrane nanoparticles released by all cells and involved in all hallmarks of cancer. The overall aim of this project is to reveal novel extracellular vesicle-mediated mechanisms of cancer growth and progression. We have recently developed a state-of-the-art method to isolate highly purified EVs directly from tissues (Crescitelli R, Nature Protocols, 2021). 

The PhD student will utilize this novel technology to explore the EVs released within tumor tissues under different conditions. Most of the work will be performed in mice melanoma tissue. However, thanks to the collaboration with Professor Roger Olofsson-Bagge, the PhD student will have access to nearly unlimited fresh and frozen human tumor samples. In collaboration with Professor Jan Lötvall, a pioneer in EV field, the PhD student will have access to the most advanced techniques to isolate and characterize the EVs.

Read more about Rossella Crescitelli research group www.gu.se/en/research/rossella-crescitelli

By optimizing the conditions to collect tumor tissue-derived EVs, we aim to shed light on the pathways by which cells in the tumor microenvironment communicate and how this contributes to tumor progression. The knowledge generated from this project will improve our basic understanding of EVs in cancer and will provide a platform for developing future therapies and diagnostics. The work includes the involvement of cellular and molecular methods, including cell culture, functional assays, and protein analyses, as well as the use of flow cytometry, electron microscopy, and advanced methods for the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles. 

The candidate should have a background in, for example, cell biology (cell culturing) and biochemistry (Western blotting). Experience in flow cytometry analysis will be advantageous. Familiarity with extracellular vesicles, mouse models and mass spectrometry is an advantage. Ability to communicate in written and spoken English is necessary. Great importance will be given to personal qualities such as commitment, initiative, and cooperation skills.   

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.  As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.    

Eligibility   

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.  

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:    

1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or  
3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. 

Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are:

having successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies. 

How to apply: application details in the call document https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=36366

Contact information 

For more information about the project please contact:

Principal supervisor, Rossella Crescitelli, Associate Professor, Institute of Clinical Sciences,
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Assistant supervisor, Jan Lötvall, Professor, Institute of Medicine,
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Application deadline: 27 Feb 2025

Application   

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   

You must include the following, in pdf format

• Personal letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that makes assessing your degree easier.  

If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.

For information on what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English language requirement see https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/