PhD student in diabetes and epigenetics within the DDLS program (PA2024/1508)

Description of the workplace
At the research group for epigenetics and diabetes, research is conducted with the aim of understanding the importance of epigenetic changes in the development of type 2 diabetes. The group is led by Professor Charlotte Ling - You can find more information about the research here . The researcher group is located at the unit for epigenetics and diabetes at Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC ) in Malmö.

We offer

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both accepted as a student and an employee, which provides several benefits. Read more about being accepted and employed at the Faculty of Medicine's internal website . Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Working at Lund University .

The DDLS program
Data-driven life science uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS ) aims to recruit and train the next-generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The DDLS program has four strategic areas. For more information about the program, read here
Read more about what data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics includes here

At Lund University, we are looking to fill the position as PhD student in Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics. The future of life science is data-driven. Join us and be part of that change!

Duties and areas of responsibility
The main work tasks for PhD students are to devote themselves to their postgraduate education and therefore you will both be accepted as a student and employee at Lund University. You will also be admitted to the DDLS Research school, where you are expected to be an active participant. You will perform data-driven research by developing new blood-based epigenetics biomarkers for precision medicine that help patients with diabetes receive optimal treatment and reduce their complications. You will primarily work with the analysis of large-scale data from DNA methylation arrays and SNP arrays, along with prospective clinical data. You will perform multiome analyzes and use machine learning methods. The position involves independent research in own defined projects and to work independently with writing manuscripts.

Qualifications
Requirements for the position are:

• degree in bioinformatics, molecular biology, computer science or a closely related field that the employer deems adequate for the position
• good ability in a scripting language such as R or Python, as well as working effectively in a Linux command line environment
• good knowledge in statistics
• very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing
• ability to be self-motivated, driven and persistent
• you must be good at working in a team, willing to help others, and have good communication and cooperation skills

Meritorious for the position are:

• experience in bioinformatics analyzes of DNA methylation data and SNP data
• experience working with machine learning methods
• experience of working on large-scale HPC clusters

Eligibility
Basic eligibility for education at postgraduate level is for those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
In order for students with a non-Nordic degree to be admitted to postgraduate education, English language skills corresponding to a passed TOEFL or IELTS test is required. For TOEFL-test requirement for admission is at least 550 points on the paper-based test, at least 213 points on the computer-based test and at least 79 points on the Internet-based test. For the IELTS test, the "Academic Module" must be completed with at least 6.5 as a result and no sub-element below 5.0.

Basis for assessment
Regulations for employment as a doctoral student can be found in regulation SFS 1998:80. Only those who have been admitted to education at research level may be appointed as holders. When appointing, attention must be paid primarily to the degree of the ability to assimilate the postgraduate education. In addition to the obligation to engage in their own postgraduate education, the holder may be required to perform duties related to education, research and administrative work according to special provisions in the regulation.

Terms of employment
The employment is limited to four years according to HF chapter 5 § 7 and is full-time. Start date is 31 October 2024 at the latest. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, you are therefore expected to be able to carry out your work on site in Malmö every day of the week.

How to apply
The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a degree certificate (including a grade transcript) your CV, contact information of two references, and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation and list of publications).