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Doctoral position in Medical Science
Project title: Elucidating metabolism and atherogenicity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins using mathematical and statistical modelling
The Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, is located at the Institute of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Our primary research focus is on metabolism, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. We support and promote research and teaching in translational medicine to improve health and to benefit society.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages https: // medarbetarportalen.gu.se/doktorand/?languageId=100001&skipSSOCheck=true
DutiesThe PhD education 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 third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https: // www. gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies
Project: The development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is driven by lipid accumulation in the artery wall. Since blood lipids are insoluble in water, they are transported in water-miscible lipoproteins. Chylomicrons and very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry most triglycerides and are referred to as triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs). Most cholesterol is transported in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Increased levels of LDL are causatively linked to development of CVD and lowering of LDL levels reduces cardiovascular events. However, cholesterol-lowering medication only prevents up to half of these events. Recent advances in human genetics indicate that the remaining ‘residual' risk of CVD is caused by elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and their remnants. The first aim of the PhD project is to understand how various rare genetic variants affects the metabolism of TRLs in humans, this will be done both by careful characterisation of TRL metabolism in individuals with rare mutations and by analyses on population level using large data bases such as the UK biobank. The second aim is to clarify the atherogenicity of TRLs and their risk as drivers of CVD. Analysis of contribution to overall risk in different patient groups with different lipoprotein distributions and other risk factors, as well as modelling and simulating treatment strategies. Together these aims furthering our understanding of the CVD risk associated with different forms of lipoproteins.
This PhD project combines mathematical modelling, genetics and metabolomics. The PhD student will analyse large data sets with metabolomic, genetic and outcome data using regression models (survival models, mixed models, etc) as well as genetic methods (mendelian randomization, genome-wide association studies) and AI/Machine learning. Several years of documented education in mathematics, mathematical modelling and/or advanced statistical analyses is advantageous. Experience in bioinformatics is particularly advantageous.
Education at third-cycle level 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. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
EligibilityEducation at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level 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 completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies.
Assessment criteriaThe selection of applicants who are considered to have the ability required to benefit from the study programme and who meet the general and specific eligibility requirements are assessed based on the following documented qualifications: - 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 thesis, degree project, scientific journals or the like.
EmploymentOnce you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, 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 third-cycle level for four years.
Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Contact informationFor more information about the project please contact the principal supervisor, Jan Borén, Professor, Institute of Medicine, phone: +46733764264, e-mail: [email protected]
UnionsUnion representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https: // www. gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
ApplicationYou can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
You must include the following, in pdf format
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: 2023-11-22
Information for International ApplicantsChoosing 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/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.