PhD Project: Exploring the Dynamic Immune Recovery in Pediatric Acute LymphoblasticLeukemia to Predict Immunological Vulnerability After Completion ofChemotherapy

Call for applications for a partially financed PhD fellowship

Project description
The overall aim of the project is to uncover the factors contributing to a compromised immune
system restoration post chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Importantly, we wish to identify which children are at risk of complications and relapse.
Children with ALL have varying responses to chemotherapy, leading to different treatment
outcomes. Understanding the reasons behind these differences is crucial for providing
personalized therapy. ALL treatment can cause severe side effects, including infections and organ
damage, with some complications persisting for years or even lifelong. While most children
achieve remission, about 5-10% still experience relapses, with adults facing higher risks. The
cytotoxic impact of chemotherapy on healthy cells can contribute to immunological complications
later in life.
The PhD seeks to uncover the complex factors that affect immune system recovery and identify
biomarkers of vulnerability to complications and relapse, ultimately guiding clinicians in more
effectively monitoring and predicting these risks in pediatric ALL patients.
This 3-year project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of immunology,
genetics, bioinformatics, pediatric oncology, and personalized medicine. The candidate will engage
in cutting-edge research by combining advanced immunological techniques with genomic analysis
and bioinformatics tools. This multidisciplinary approach will contribute to the development of
more personalized therapeutic strategies for pediatric cancer patients, ultimately improving their
long-term health outcomes.
The PhD fellowship will be carried out at the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
and the Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital.
This PhD project is partially funded, and the supervisors will assist the applicant in seeking
additional funding to cover the remaining duration of the PhD.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Professor Birgitte Klug Albertsen
Co-Supervisor: MD, PhD Katrine Schou Sandgaard
Qualifications
The PhD position will require excellent organizational skills and the ability to collaborate
effectively with patients, hospital staff, and other researchers. The candidate will need to manage
both laboratory and clinical research tasks while maintaining a strong focus on data integrity and
interdisciplinary communication. The ability to work in a team, adapt to evolving research methods,
and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment will be essential for success in this role.
The candidate should have a background in life sciences or medicine, with a keen interest in
immunology and pediatric oncology. The position is also open to medical students who wish to
pursue an integrated PhD, including 12 months of research during their studies. The PhD project
will involve laboratory-based research, and familiarity with laboratory techniques is preferable,
but not exclusive. If the candidate lacks direct experience, a strong interest and motivation to
develop these skills will be important. Additionally, a background in bioinformatics or interest in
this area will be an advantage.
How to apply
Please submit your application to katrineschousandgaard@clin.au.dk.
Application deadline: 12.06.2025.
Interviews for the position will be held in week 26.
Preferred starting date: 01.10.2025
Further information
For further inquiries about the project, please contact Katrine Schou Sandgaard at
katrineschousandgaard@clin.au.dk