PhD Position: Transforming Colorectal Cancer Treatment through Personalized Medicine Center for Surgical Science (CSS), Zealand University Hospital, Køge

We are excited to offer a 3-year PhD position starting in february 2025 or as early as possible hereafter, focusing on the groundbreaking RESET-C2 project. Join us in pioneering innovative, personalized approaches to colorectal cancer care, integrating immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, and organ-sparing strategies.

About CSS and Our Research
CSS is a multidisciplinary research hub uniting experts in medicine, molecular biology, data science, bioinformatics, and more. Our mission is to revolutionize surgical treatment, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes. Through advanced research methodologies, we aim to deliver individualized pre-, intra-, and postoperative care by leveraging cutting-edge data and technologies.

About the RESET-C2 Project
The RESET-C2 study represents a paradigm shift in colorectal cancer treatment. Building on the success of the RESET-C trial, which demonstrated remarkable tumor responses to neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colon cancer, RESET-C2 explores organ-sparing, non-surgical options for patients achieving a clinical complete response (cCR). Key aspects of the study include:

• National Multicenter Collaboration: Enrolling patients across Denmark to evaluate the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy as a preoperative treatment.
• Innovative Decision Support: Utilizing AI-driven models trained on real-world data from colorectal cancer patients to risk-stratify participants and tailor perioperative care.
• Comprehensive Translational Research: Identifying biomarkers predictive of treatment response to refine personalized care further.

This project has the potential to redefine the standard of care, reducing surgery-related complications and improving long-term quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.

Your Role as a PhD Student
As a PhD student, you will:

• Be immersed in cutting-edge research at the Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Køge.
• Collaborate with a dedicated multidisciplinary team implementing innovative prehabilitation methods and predictive models nationwide.
• Gain expertise in clinical trials, big data analytics, and translational research.
• Contribute to the national rollout of AI-augmented decision tools for optimizing surgical outcomes.
• Receive structured training and mentoring while playing a pivotal role in the RESET-C2 study.

Qualifications
We are seeking a motivated medical doctor with:

• A Master’s degree in Medicine.
• Interest in oncology, surgery, and clinical trials.
• Preferably, prior publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Proficiency in Danish and English.
• Experience in clinical research is advantageous.

How to Apply
Your application must include:

• A motivation letter.
• A detailed CV.
• Diplomas and documentation of education.
• Proof of relevant research experience and/or publications.

Application Deadline
Submit your application no later than 15 January 2024.

Terms of Employment
This is a full-time position (37 hours/week) with a guaranteed salary during employment. Enrollment as a PhD student at the Graduate School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, is mandatory, with tuition fees covered by Region Zealand. Medical doctors will be employed under the collective agreement of the Danish Medical Association.

Questions?
For further information, please contact Professor Ismail Gögenur at [email protected] , phone +4526336426

Learn more about us: Center for Surgical Science

Join us in shaping the future of colorectal cancer care and making a lasting impact on patients' lives

Om os

Den 1. januar 2024 fusionerede Sjællands Universitetshospital (SUH) med Nykøbing F. Sygehus (NFS). Som et af Danmarks største akutsygehuse driver og udvikler vi sygehusene i Køge, Roskilde og Nykøbing F. Vi har aktivitet på alle regionens sygehuse, og vi betjener alle regionens patienter med specialiserede sundhedsydelser samt tilbyder sundhedsydelser inden for 32 forskellige lægelige specialer.

Som Danmarks seneste universitetshospital søger vi at omdefinere tilgangen til, hvordan sundhedsfaglige ydelser leveres i regionen. Vi stræber efter at sikre lige sundhedstilbud for alle. Med øget fokus på uddannelse, forskning og innovation arbejder vi ud fra tankesættet om at bygge bro over afstande, etablere tværfaglige fællesskaber og bringe specialiseret behandling tættere på borgerne.

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