PhD student in Medical Science

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with specialization in Eye Diseases

Your work assignments

Your work will focus on research into a rare corneal disease called limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which leads to blindness and currently has no effective treatment options. The research group uses various transgenic and traumatic models of LSCD, and your responsibilities will include maintaining transgenic mouse colonies, characterizing ocular tissues in mice, and performing minor microsurgical procedures in these models.

You will also characterize the eye using in vivo imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, protein analysis, and advanced sequencing and transcriptomic approaches. Experimental therapies administered topically will be evaluated, including their effects on phenotype, gene expression, and protein expression. Furthermore, you will investigate novel mechanisms of action of these therapies and identify new factors interacting with disease-related genes (e.g., PAX6, TP63) using molecular biology methods.

The position involves collaboration with international researchers within an EU project framework as well as outside the EU, including short research stays in partner laboratories.

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

Your qualifications

You have a Master’s degree in the biomedical field with molecular biology or similar focus. You also have substantial experience in a laboratory research environment.

You should have prior experience with experimental molecular biology techniques, tissue processing and imaging. You also have strong technical and analytical skills. Previous experience with disease models, cells, tissues, and analysis at the protein and gene level are an asset. Animal handling experience and/or FELASA certification are also considered an advantage.

The position requires the ability to spend several months at collaborating laboratories in Europe and North America, which means valid travel documents and/or visas will be necessary.

You work well in an international, multidisciplinary team and can collaborate effectively while contributing to multiple ongoing projects. Above all, you can work harmoniously with diverse team members with different backgrounds and levels of experience and are willing to learn new techniques. References may be contacted and interviews may be conducted to determine your potential fit within the existing team, with emphasis placed on interpersonal qualities.

Your application should include a letter of intent describing how your personal characteristics and qualifications match the position requirements, with examples of creative thinking, collaborative work, and technical competencies.

Your workplace

You will work at the Division of Sense Organs and Communication, SOK, at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKV.

The research group on eye diseases focuses on developing new therapies for conditions that severely impair vision. The group employs advanced molecular and genetic methods, as well as disease models, to better understand the origins of these conditions and to evaluate potential new treatments.

In addition, the group uses cell models and develops surgical techniques to deliver and test innovative therapies. 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 student 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 normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.

Starting date by agreement. 

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

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 Februari 8, 2026.

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