项目介绍

2026年2月4日

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral position in Medical Science

Project title: Mitochondrial and Platelet Function in Extremely Preterm Infants: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience is located at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. We are at the forefront of groundbreaking research in neurology, neurosurgery, clinical neurophysiology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation medicine, and experimental neuroscience, working closely with Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Our department offers educational programs for future physicians, biomedical analysts, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists, along with specialized commissioned courses in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Join our innovative team of researchers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of science. Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary?

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 education 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 third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies

Project: Extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks of gestation) are at high risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and later neurodevelopmental difficulties. Preventive measures are limited, and the significance of early mitochondrial dysfunction—and the extent to which it can be modified—remains unclear. We have preliminary clinical proteomics data linking metabolic stress and mitochondrial dysfunction to ROP, as well as preclinical data suggesting that combined metabolic activators may reduce pathological retinal neovascularization.

In this PhD project, the doctoral candidate will:
• Quantify complex-specific mitochondrial respiration in platelets longitudinally in extremely preterm infants using high-resolution respirometry.
• Identify prematurity-specific proteomic signatures in platelets and relate these to bioenergetic states.
• Evaluate the biological effects of metabolic activators on biomarkers related to mitochondrial health, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in a phase I dose-escalation pilot study in extremely preterm infants.

The aim of the project is to contribute to precision neonatal medicine by enabling early identification of high-risk infants, defining robust markers of mitochondrial function, and generating population-based data on targeted metabolic support. The project is embedded in a translational research environment with established clinical cohorts, omics platforms, and international collaborations, enabling rapid translation of findings into clinically applicable interventions. 

We are looking for a candidate with a background in biomedical laboratory science or another relevant discipline, preferably with prior research experience in preterm infants, particularly blood-cell respirometry. Documented hands-on laboratory experience in biomedical/translational research experience with relevant molecular biology and protein analysis methods (e.g., PCR/qPCR, ELISA/western blot, flow cytometry, immunostaining) is an advantage. Experience with cell-based systems (e.g., cell culture) and/or microscopy, statistical analysis and data visualization skills (e.g., GraphPad Prism and/or R) is also an advantage. Parts of the laboratory work will be conducted at Lund University, which means you need to be flexible and able to travel between Gothenburg and Lund.   

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 Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience. 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 Neuroscience and Physiology 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 Neuroscience and Physiology 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, 
Anders K Nilsson, Associate Professor, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology,
Phone:+46 768 11 93 37, e-mail: anders.k.nilsson@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: 2026-02-24