项目介绍

2026年1月28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: Inflammation as a Treatment Target in Chronic Radiation-Induced Bowel Dysfunction

The Department of Oncology 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: Radiotherapy is one of our most powerful tools against cancer, but unfortunately it also affects healthy tissue. This is a significant problem when radiation is directed at a tumor in the pelvic region, such as in gynecological cancer, prostate cancer, rectal- or anal cancer, since the intestinal wall is highly sensitive to radiation. Impaired intestinal health affects the quality of life of a very large group of cancer survivors and is a limiting factor in radiotherapy. The long-lasting underlying changes in the irradiated intestinal wall have not been thoroughly characterized, and effective treatment for the symptoms is lacking.

The overarching aim of our research is to prevent and combat the chronic intestinal dysfunctions that may arise after radiotherapy to the pelvic region. We are now advertising a PhD position that combines both basic research and patient-oriented research with clear clinical relevance. The PhD student will be tasked with mapping the chronic changes in the intestinal mucosa that occur following radiation exposure, with a particular focus on low-grade inflammation, and investigating how these changes contribute to intestinal symptoms. This includes laboratory work that combines advanced omics analyses with basic laboratory techniques and questionnaires on intestinal health. The PhD student will also be involved in the implementation of a clinical pilot study testing a pharmacological intervention for radiation-induced intestinal disorders. The work will include, among other things, the development of study protocols in collaboration with clinical staff and researchers, coordination of the study’s implementation, and the collection and analysis of biological samples. The PhD student is also expected to compile, present, and publish the results in scientific contexts.

We are seeking a PhD candidate with a strong interest in translational research with a background in  relevant subject area. Clinical experience is considered a merit, as is prior experience with laboratory work. Good proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written, is necessary as the research is closely linked to patient-oriented studies and the healthcare system. Personal suitability is important, including good collaboration skills, conscientiousness, and the ability to work independently. 

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 Oncology. 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,
Cecilia Bull, Associate Professor, Institute of Clinical Sciences,
e-mail: cecilia.bull@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/