Postdoctor in Cancer research with a focus on pancreatic neoplasia and hepatobiliary malignancies

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 Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of surgery, is now searching for 1-2 postdoctoral fellows to work with preclinical and clinical research, mainly concerning pancreatic cancer. The research group is led by Professor Kjetil Søreide, who conducts both clinical and translational research in pancreatic cancer and hepatobiliary malignancies. The newly founded research group will utilize carefully curated clinical datasets and biobanks available, create new translational studies and, will work closely with collaborating groups at Sahlgrenska, but also nationally and internationally.

The research group is based at the Institute of Clinical Sciences in the recently opened facilities for Experimental Surgical Research, sharing lab space with other surgical research groups. The Soreide research group works in close vicinity to groups affiliated to the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine and the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research (SCCR), which provides good opportunities for career development and network building. SCCR consists of a large network of research group leaders and their team members within the University of Gothenburg and beyond.

We are currently seeking 1–2 dedicated postdoctoral researchers with experience in translational/experimental cancer research focused on liquid biopsy (i.e. ctDNA), or spatial transcriptomics or, patient-derived organoids including experience in biostatistics/bioinformatics to join ongoing and upcoming projects in our group focused on improving the understanding of cancer biology, as well as clinical risk stratification, early detection, prediction and prognostication, and clinical outcomes in pancreatic pre-neoplasia, pancreatic cancer and hepatobiliary maligncies. The project is conducted in close collaboration with other clinical and translational researchers, nationally and internationally. Join us to work with unique datasets and advance research on pancreatic cancer, with the aim of improving patient care and clinical outcomes for these hard-to-treat cancers.

Subject area

Cancer research with a focus on pancreatic neoplasia and hepatobiliary malignancies

Subject area description

Translational and experimental research on pancreatic cancer and hepatobiliary malignancies, with a focus on liquid biopsy, spatial omics technology and patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

Duties

The work includes planning and carrying out clinical studies using translational/experimental lab techniques, but also collecting information from already completed studies. Within the project, you will also plan, design and carry out research work aimed at studying microenvironments in tumors using cellular and molecular methods. Other methods include different types of DNA, RNA and protein analyses, as well as work with 3D models and clinical samples. A close collaboration will take place with our preclinical laboratory with advanced methods for the isolation and characterization of exosomes. The work will mainly be carried out at the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research.

You are expected to lead specific research studies largely independently. This work includes all parts of the laboratory experiments and analytical research, including writing statistical analysis plan (SAP), perform statistical analyses of data and manuscript writing. You may also be involved in co-supervising PhD students, contributing to project management, and assisting other group members' research. You may contribute to funding applications and scientific meetings within the project.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment

Assessment criteria

To qualify as postdoc the applicant should hold a PhD in clinical research, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology or equivalent is required.

Experience in both clinical and preclinical research is advantageous. Experience with hands-on work and execution in one of either lab technique areas is mandatory for the position, and includes either; i) experience in liquid biopsy research; ii) experience in spatial omics technology; and/or, iii) experience in working with patient-derived organoids. Experience in more than one of these technologies is advantageous but not a strict requirement.

The work takes high demands on self-motivation, independence and accuracy. Of great importance is personal qualities such as commitment, initiative and cooperation skills.

You are expected to have excellent spoken and written English skills, as well as documented experience in writing and publishing scientific articles in high-impact journals. You have the clinical experience to formulate relevant research questions and interpret results from such studies. Knowledge of Swedish or another Nordic language is a merit. We value independence in designing studies; conducting, maintaining and quality-assure lab protocols and SOPs; conducting statistical analyses; and, leading research projects.

We are looking for a driven and independent individual with good organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently. You are collaborative and a team player with strong social skills and empathy. Furthermore, you are curious, adaptable, and willing to learn from other research fields, with a structured yet flexible approach to work. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment

The employment is limited (temporary) for 24 months, 100% of full-time, and is placed at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery. Starting date: 2027-02-01 (or, earliest start availability after agreement)

Contact information

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, Associate Professor 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

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 shall include

• A short cover letter with description of your experience and what makes you qualified for this particular job

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)

• A publication list

• Name and contact information of two references

Applications must be received by: 13 November 2026

Information for International Applicants

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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.