PhD in Medical Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.PhD in the subject Medical Science and the research area Microbiology in the Medical AreaDescription Of Research EnvironmentThe Systems Virology Group is located at the Department of Translational Medicine and is led by Associate Professor Joakim Esbjörnsson. The group uses various bioinformatics and phylogenetics methods to combine genetic, clinical, and epidemiological data to explain how viruses evolve and adapt to new environments—both at the population level and within individual hosts. In addition, various experimental model systems are used to study in detail how virus-host interactions regulate disease progression. The research is therefore often based on complex and multifaceted (often longitudinally collected) data that require advanced biostatistics and modelling. Furthermore, identified key markers and regulators of disease progression are evaluated functionally in various human cell and tissue model systems to assess their potential as treatment or vaccine targets. Here you can read more about our exciting research.Within the research group, we value a good working environment with respect and care in our relationships with one another. We strive for a workplace that is perceived as both rewarding and stimulating for all employees, and we continuously work to create conditions for job satisfaction, development, and participation for everyone. We care for both physical safety and the psychosocial work environment.The Department of Translational Medicine is now announcing a doctoral position and employment as a PhD student in the Systems Virology group at the department.SubjectMedical ScienceProject DescriptionCurbing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic represents one of the major challenges of our time with approximately 40.8 (37.0-45.6) million people infected globally. Acute HIV-1 infection is characterized by high levels of virus replication; that is manifested as a peak rise in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels up to 6-8 log/ml, a decline in CD4+ T cells approximately two weeks after infection and sometimes accompanied by non-specific flu-like symptoms. The viral replication comes under control when the host defenses are mobilized against the virus, leading to a slow decline to a steady-state viral load, or set point, of between 3-5 log/ml at approximately four months post-infection. Peak viral load levels in adults are not predictive of the rate of disease progression. However, the viral set point (the level at which viral load is maintained during this early, asymptomatic period) is predictive of the length of the asymptomatic period and AIDS-free survival. This is most likely a measure of the dynamics between the virulence of the infecting virus strain, and the ability of the host immune system to contain the virus. The rate of progression of HIV-1 infection to AIDS is highly variable among individuals, developing an average of 9-10 years after infection in most adults in the absence of antiretroviral therapy.The overall objective of the PhD project is to study HIV-1 evolution and human immune responses in acute HIV-1 infection, and ultimately how the interplay between virus and host dictates HIV-1 pathogenesis.TasksThe PhD student’s main tasks will be to conduct one's own postgraduate education. This includes, in addition to completing mandatory doctoral courses, using sequence analysis (including phylogenetics [both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analysis], molecular properties analysis, analysis of adaptation and selection), proteomics analysis (including differential expression analysis, enrichment analysis, structural equation modelling, and supervised dimensionality reduction methods), systems biology analysis (including machine learning and other AI techniques), statistical tools focusing on analysis of complex longitudinal data, and how different types of data are interconnected (including mixed effects modelling). In addition, hands-on experience will be gained from applying all the experimental methods that were used to generate the existing data in the laboratory. An important part of doctoral education is to analyse generated results and present them in the form of scientific manuscripts and articles.EligibilityStudents with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who have:completed a second-cycle degree.have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, orhave acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.The requirement for special qualifications are met by those who have:at least 60 credits in the field of medical scienceapplicants must have knowledge equivalent to at least 3 years of upper secondary school proficiency in EnglishSpecific requirements for the position:degree of master in bioinformaticsknowledge of virus-host interactions, immunology and how this relates to disease developmentexperience in biostatistical analysis and programming in RMerits for the position:knowledge of virus-host interactions, immunology and how this relates to disease developmentexperience in relevant evolutionary biology and phylogenetic sequence analysispublications in peer-reviewed scientific journalsgreat importance will be placed on personal qualities. The tasks require that you are independent, driven, and cooperativeBasis of assessment and selectionIn accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance, the selection shall primarily be based on an assessment of the applicants' ability to benefit from the education. When making admissions, it is primarily the applicant's qualifications from the basic education that can normally be assessed. In this regard, breadth, depth and relevance, as well as elements of independent work, shall be considered.TermsAs a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee.The employment is a fixed-term employment for a total of four years, 100% with a start date 2026-02-01, or according to agreement. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on site in Malmö. Further information regarding regulations regarding admission and employment as a doctoral student can be found on the faculty's website.We offerLund University is a government agency, which means you get special benefits, generous vacation time and a favorable occupational pension. Read more about being employed with us on the university's website.How To ApplyThe position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent and any other information you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.The Department of Translational Medicine is one of the six departments at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University. We conduct basic science in a laboratory setting, point-of-care and clinical research as well as carry out epidemiological studies.We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Malmö | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2025/3434 | Kontakt: Joakim Esbjörnsson, recruiting manager +46462220119, Joakim Esbjörnsson, rekryterande chef +46462220119, Sarah Quist, HR-partner +4640391055, Sarah Quist, HR-partner +4640391055, | Facklig företrädare: OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, | Publicerat: 2025-11-27 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-12-19