PhD Candidate in Medical Science

Linkoping

Reference number BKV-2026-00160

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We are looking for a PhD candidate in Medical Science, as part of the larger EU Marie Curie MCSA Doctoral Network STEM-CORE.

Are you passionate about working with stem cells or stem cell-based biomaterials? Or are you perhaps fascinated by eye research and do you have an affinity for molecular, cellular and medical science? If so, come and join our STEM-CORE project and become one of the 14 doctoral candidates recruited from 9 European countries.

STEM-CORE, supported by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aims to explore strategies to develop stem cell therapies and biomaterials, laying the groundwork for future cures to restore eyesight. For details of STEM-CORE, please visit STEM-CORE Radboud University .

IMPORTANT: Applicants must comply with the following condition: NOT have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date

Your work assignments

As part of the MCSA doctoral network STEM-CORE, you will contribute, along with 13 other doctoral candidates, to main aim of the project, which is to develop a robust, affordable and sustainable cell therapy for treating blindness of the cornea caused by stem cell deficiency. For this doctoral position, the emphasis is on translational, in vivo models for evaluating proposed cell-based therapies. The focus of this thesis is therefore to:

1. Evaluate various methods for stem cell delivery to the cornea in vivo, for evaluating their therapeutic potential.
2. Tracking the delivered cells in vivo using genetic or fluorescence-based labeling techniques.
3. Evaluating the efficacy of cell-based therapies in transgenic and traumatic mouse models of limbal stem cell deficiency using histochemical and omics-based methods.

The position will involve three short visits to partner laboratories to learn cell delivery methods, immunologic characterization of cells and tissues, live cell tracking, and multi-omics data analysis methods.

As a PhD candidate, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in biological sciences or related field or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses involving molecular biology techniques. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

Your skills should include standard molecular biology techniques applied at the cellular, tissue, gene, and protein levels. Experience with stem cells, in vivo models and systems, microsurgery and/or computational methods are not strictly required but are considered as an asset.

You are proactive and driven, able to work effectively in a team with diverse technical and cultural backgrounds. You are willing to travel and to learn new techniques in different research environments, and you collaborate well with others. You are also very flexible and can complete diverse tasks within multiple projects. You have a positive attitude and are willing to assist (and be assisted by) other researchers and colleagues. You also have an ability to communicate at an advanced scientific level in spoken and written English. You are results-focused and have a strong work ethic.

A letter of intent should be included with your application describing your background, competencies, and goals, and how these align with the environment within the research group and with the focus areas of the thesis and the broader STEM-CORE Doctoral Network.

Your workplace

You will work at the Department of Sense Organs and Communication, SOK , at  BKV .

The research group on eye diseases focuses on developing new therapies for conditions that severely impair vision. The group uses cell models and develops surgical techniques to deliver and test innovative therapies including new drugs, biomaterials, and medical devices. Collaboration with other research groups takes place primarily in an international setting, and short stays of 2 - 3 months at partner institutions are common.

The employment

In connection with your admission to the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD candidate is handled. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at  Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD candidates is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression and the STEM-CORE salary level.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants .

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than March 23 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody’s equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities .

We look forward to receiving your application!

Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.

Contact persons

Neil Lagali

Professor

+46 13 28 66 80

neil.lagaliliu.se

Annelie Lindström

Director of Third Cycle studies at BKV

+46 13 28 68 71

annelie.lindstromliu.se

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