项目介绍

2026年1月28日

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Doctoral position in Medical Science

Project title: From imaging to insight: Loading-based MRI and data-driven approaches for low back pain diagnosis 

The Department of Medical Radiation Sciences is located at the Institute of Clinical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. 

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties   

Doctoral studies in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about doctoral studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies

Project: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, yet many patients lack diagnostic findings that explain their pain. Degeneration affects both the structure and biomechanical properties of the intervertebral discs and can contribute to pain during loading by stimulating nerves. Traditional MRI primarily focuses on gross morphological changes and may therefore miss subtle but clinically relevant microstructural and functional alterations. New loading-based MRI methods, combined with data-driven image analysis, enable the identification of such changes and can thereby improve the understanding and diagnosis of nonspecific LBP.

The overall aim of this doctoral project is to develop and evaluate loading-based and data-driven MRI methods to identify biomarkers in nonspecific LBP. Specifically, the project aims to:

1. Investigate whether loading-induced disc deformation can serve as a biomarker for LBP.
2. Identify “hidden” tissue alterations using data-driven methods.
3. Develop multiparametric prediction models that integrate promising imaging biomarkers with clinical data to improve individualized diagnosis.

The project will analyze a large case–control cohort (200 LBP patients and 100 matched controls) collected with loading-based MRI. Image registration between unloaded and loaded states will be used to quantify disc deformation (rotation, translation, and shear), which will be compared between groups and related to pain and functional measures (VAS, ODI). A data-driven method will be developed to identify subtle and previously unrecognized tissue differences in T1- and T2-weighted MR images. This approach will be combined with explanatory techniques, such as texture analysis, to further characterize the identified tissue changes. Additionally, various prediction models that integrate multiparametric imaging biomarkers and clinical data will be evaluated for their potential to enhance the accuracy and individualization of LBP diagnostics.

It is considered an asset if the applicant has documented experience working with MR images, such as optimization of image acquisition, practical data collection, image processing, and analysis.  Good programming skills, for example in Matlab and Python, are considered an advantage. The applicant is expected to be able to work both independently and in a team, as the project requires collaboration with colleagues. The applicant should have strong proficiency in both written and spoken Swedish and English.  

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. 

Assessment criteria    

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:

– specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
– experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
– scientific analysis and presentation verified through an academic paper, degree project, scientific journals or the like.   

Admission and employment   

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.   

Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at the Institute of Clinical Sciences requires physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Institute of Clinical Sciences has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies. 

Contact information 

For more information about the project please contact principal supervisor,
Kerstin Lagerstrand, Associate Professor, Institute of Clinical Sciences,
e-mail: kerstin.lagerstrand@gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:   
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande    

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/

Applications must be received by: 2026-02-23

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/