Associate Researcher

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences is one of six Institutes within Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. We conduct research and education that puts people's health and quality of life in focus. We represent 16 different research areas and are divided into four sections. Through a fruitful collaboration with the healthcare and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, we have developed joint projects and meeting places that benefits both health care and research.

The Division of Upper Abdominal Surgery conducts research in translational and experimental medicine, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying cancer and the development of relevant model systems to understand disease processes at the cellular and molecular levels-specifically regarding pancreatic cancer. The division's activities are characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical and preclinical research.

The pancreatic cancer research group works with human-derived cancer cells to model the disease; this includes the use of cell lines as well as patient-derived organoids from pancreatic cancer and neoplastic lesions in vitro. The aim is to develop and apply advanced cell models to study disease mechanisms-with a particular focus on the tumor microenvironment and the immune system-and to establish a foundation for future drug testing.

Duties

The duties involve laboratory work within a research project focused on patient-derived organoids and cell-based modeling of pancreatic cancer. Responsibilities include the culture, handling, and experimental processing of human-derived cells from pancreatic tumors, as well as the application of molecular and cell biology methods relevant to the project.

Additionally, the role entails documenting experiments, ensuring quality control of laboratory processes, compiling results, and actively participating in method development. The work is conducted in close collaboration with the research group and requires the ability to work both independently and systematically in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

The position requires a degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine, or another field deemed equivalent by the employer. The applicant must have documented experience in laboratory work and strong proficiency in spoken and written English.

Previous experience working with cell models and cell cultures-specifically involving pancreatic neoplasms-is considered an asset, as is experience with bioinformatics and relevant molecular biology methods applied to pancreatic cancer. Experience working in a laboratory setting at Sahlgrenska University Hospital or a similar academic research environment is also meritorious.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. The applicant should be meticulous and responsible, possess good collaborative skills, and demonstrate a documented interest in translational, laboratory-based research.

Employment

The position is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 6 (six) months, based at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery. Start date: January 1, 2027.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor and Senior Consultant Kjetil Soreide, kjetil.soreide@gu.se, phone +46 (0)766 18 25 08 or lab-manager Johan Bourghart Fagman, johan.bourghardt@gu.se, phone +46 (0)706238876.

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. 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.

The application must include:

• CV and, if applicable, a list of publications
• Cover letter (statement of motivation, max. one A4 page)
• Degree certificates and relevant credentials
• Contact details for at least two references

In the application, the applicant should specifically describe previous experience with cell models, molecular biology methods, cell culture, and other laboratory work relevant to the position.

Applications must be received by: 2026-10-20

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.