Gustav Smith

The University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy is offering two PhD positions in Medical Science at the Institute of Medicine. The first project, supervised by Professor Gustav Smith, focuses on 'Heart-Lung crosstalk and applications for heart failure prevention and treatment.' This research will systematically assess the importance of heart-lung interorgan crosstalk in heart failure, asthma, and COPD, using experimental and clinical study designs. The project involves state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo models, clinical human samples, and a variety of molecular biology methods, as well as analysis of clinical and epidemiological data. The research group is highly collaborative, with expertise in metabolism, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and translational medicine. Applicants with backgrounds in molecular medicine, biomedicine, biology, bioinformatics, or biomedical engineering are encouraged to apply, especially those with experience in cell culture, animal handling, molecular techniques, and data analysis. The second project, supervised by Professor Maria Åberg, is titled 'A Workplace Intervention in the Construction Industry to Reduce Anxiety Disorders, Pain, Hypertension, and Sick Leave.' This PhD project aims to evaluate a workplace intervention to prevent anxiety and its complications among construction workers in Sweden. The intervention includes a person-centered dialogue with a coach and a tailored physical exercise program. The research will use a cluster-randomized clinical trial design, enrolling workers from multiple construction companies, and will assess outcomes such as anxiety, depression, pain, hypertension, and sick leave. Applicants with experience in cognitive testing, supportive conversations, qualitative methods, sports psychology, and sports medicine are preferred. Proficiency in Swedish and English is required. Both positions are full-time, salaried doctoral student employments for four years, with possible departmental duties up to 20%. Tuition is covered, and salaries are set individually. The positions require physical presence in Gothenburg, Sweden. Applicants must have a second-cycle degree or equivalent, meet English language requirements, and submit a complete application including a personal letter, CV, diploma, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. The application deadline is 2026-02-23. For more information, contact the respective supervisors or visit the university’s doctoral studies pages. These opportunities offer a unique chance to engage in cutting-edge research in medical science, with a focus on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and public health challenges, in a supportive and diverse academic environment at the University of Gothenburg.

The University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy is offering two doctoral (PhD) student positions in medical science, with research projects based at the Department of Medicine. The first project, supervised by Professor Gustav Smith, focuses on molecular inter-organ communication and its implications for heart failure treatment. This research will systematically investigate the molecular pathways linking heart and lung diseases, using both experimental and clinical approaches, including in vitro and in vivo models, human clinical samples, and advanced molecular biology techniques. The project aims to provide new insights into cardiovascular and pulmonary disease mechanisms, with opportunities for translational research and drug evaluation. The second project, supervised by Professor Maria Åberg, evaluates a workplace intervention in the construction industry designed to reduce anxiety disorders, pain, hypertension, and sick leave. This public health-focused project involves a cluster-randomized clinical trial among construction workers, assessing the effects of a tailored lifestyle intervention on mental and physical health outcomes. The research will utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods, including cognitive testing, counseling, and sports psychology, and will contribute to the understanding of preventive strategies for anxiety and related health issues in occupational settings. Both positions are full-time, salaried doctoral appointments for four years, with possible extension for departmental duties. Applicants must have a relevant advanced degree (Master's or equivalent), strong communication and collaborative skills, and scientific curiosity. Experience in molecular medicine, biomedicine, biology, bioinformatics, clinical research, public health, or related fields is desirable. For the workplace intervention project, proficiency in Swedish and English is required. The application deadline is February 23, 2026. For more information, contact the respective supervisors or visit the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal.

The University of Gothenburg is offering a fully funded PhD position in Medical Science with a focus on molecular medicine, specifically investigating heart-lung crosstalk and its implications for heart failure prevention and treatment. The project is based at the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, and is led by Professor Gustav Smith. The research group specializes in metabolism, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, and promotes translational medicine to improve health outcomes. The PhD project will systematically assess the importance of heart-lung interorgan crosstalk in heart failure, asthma, and COPD, utilizing both experimental and clinical study designs. Human genetic studies from the group have identified shared molecular pathways for heart and lung diseases, which are targeted by current treatments. The doctoral student will gain experience with state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo models, clinical human samples, and a variety of molecular biology methods. The project also includes analysis of clinical and epidemiological data and can be tailored to the student's interests. The research group offers a collaborative environment with weekly meetings, journal clubs, and retreats. The group includes experimental, bioinformatic, and clinical PhD students, bioinformaticians, research nurses, postdoctoral, and senior researchers. The position provides broad training in molecular medicine, translational research, and drug development. Applicants should have a background in molecular medicine, biomedicine, biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Experience with cell culture, animal handling, molecular techniques (PCR, blotting, ELISAs, histology), and data analysis is advantageous. Strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as scientific curiosity, are highly valued. The position is a four-year, full-time employment with possible departmental duties. Applicants must have completed a second-cycle degree or equivalent, and meet English language requirements. The application deadline is 2026-02-23. For more information, contact Professor Gustav Smith at [email protected]. Apply via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal and include all required documents.