PhD in Dermatology

Original title: PhD position in Dermatology

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality, equal opportunities and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the WorkplaceThe PhD project will be conducted within the field of peptidomics. The research group is based at the Biomedical Centre (BMC), Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and conducts translational research on how innate defense mechanisms regulate infection, inflammation, and tissue repair. A particular focus is placed on proteolytically released endogenous peptides and their role in wound healing, as well as on the development of novel peptide-based therapeutic concepts. The research group is led by Professor Artur Schmidtchen.

The group consists of approximately seven members, including senior researchers, PhD students, and research staff, with complementary expertise in clinical and translational dermatology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Research is carried out in close collaboration with clinical departments, BioMS, and experts in proteomics, peptidomics, and bioinformatics at Lund University.

The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund is now announcing a PhD position within the doctoral programme subject area Medical Science – Dermatology within the doctoral project “Peptidomics of Wound Fluid Guides the Discovery of Endogenous Peptides.” The position is based at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, and is conducted in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

We OfferLund University is a public authority, which means that you will benefit from special employment benefits, generous annual leave, and an attractive occupational pension scheme. We also offer flexible working hours that support a healthy work-life balance. Read more about working at Lund University on our website: Work at Lund University.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe PhD student will carry out a defined research project focused on identifying and characterizing bioactive endogenous peptides involved in infection, inflammation, and wound healing. The project forms a central part of the group's ongoing research and will be conducted in collaboration with BioMS and experts in proteomics and peptidomics at Lund University.

• Planning and conducting experiments.
• Developing and optimizing methods for sample preparation, peptide enrichment, and fractionation.
• Performing LC-MS/MS analyses using both DDA and DIA methodologies.
• Conducting bioinformatic and statistical analyses of peptidomic datasets to identify peptide patterns, proteolytic signatures, and candidate peptides with potential roles in infection, inflammation, and wound healing.
• Characterizing selected peptides in microbiological and cell-based assays, both individually and in combination, with regard to antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
• Documenting, quality assuring, and compiling research results.
• Presenting and publishing research findings in scientific forums.
• Participating in research group seminars, collaborations, and other scientific activities.
• Completing courses and other components required within the doctoral education programme.

QualificationsRequirementsThe successful applicant must have:

• A Master of Science in Engineering degree in Biotechnology, with specialization in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology or Molecular Biotechnology.
• Documented experience in basic biochemistry, including SDS-PAGE, LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry (DDA and DIA), and handling of human samples.
• Knowledge and experience in peptide biology and peptidomics, including analysis of complex datasets using specialized peptidomics tools.
• Experience in MS data analysis using software such as FragPipe and DIA-NN, as well as basic programming skills in Python.
• Practical experience in antibacterial assays based on dilution or diffusion methodologies.
• Excellent proficiency in both Swedish and English, spoken and written.
• Good collaborative skills combined with a high degree of accuracy and responsibility.

Meritorious QualificationsThe following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• Previous experience working with mass spectrometry-based analyses.
• Experience from project work in international or multicultural environments.
• Experience in method development and experimental troubleshooting.
• Experience in combinatorial analyses of antimicrobial peptides.

EligibilityApplicants must meet the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies, meaning they must have:

• Completed a second-cycle degree, or
• Completed at least 240 credits (ECTS), including at least 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or
• Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another way.

Assessment CriteriaProvisions regarding employment as a doctoral student are laid down in the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1998:80). Only applicants admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

When selecting among qualified applicants, particular emphasis will be placed on:

• Scientific maturity and analytical ability.
• Motivation, independence, and ability to collaborate.
• Capacity to successfully complete doctoral education.
• How the applicant’s background and experience are assessed to contribute to the execution of the project.

Terms of EmploymentThe employment is a fixed-term full-time position as a PhD student for four years (48 months), in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance. The planned starting date is 1 December 2026, or as otherwise agreed.

The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund is one of six departments within the Faculty of Medicine. The department maintains extensive collaborations both within the faculty and with other units at Lund University. It also has well-established partnerships with Skåne University Hospital (SUS), Region Skåne, and external stakeholders in society and industry. These collaborations support clinical and experimental translational research, development, and education.

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

• Artur Schmidtchen, professor, 046-2224522, artur.schmidtchen@med.lu.se
• Jessica Hörngren, HR partner, 073-6361904, jessica.horngren@med.lu.se
• OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362
• SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se
• SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366