Project-specific doctoral positions boost research careers
The Sahlgrenska Academy has announced 14 project-specific doctoral positions. Three of them will take part of the research at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research (SCCR). Among the recipients is Rossella Crescitelli, who will be supervising a doctoral student for the first time. This creates new opportunities for her research on messenger nanoparticles and their role in cancer progression.
Three SCCR-researchers have been awarded PhD positions from the Sahlgrenska Academy - Rossella Crescitelli and Jonas Nilsson from Institute of Clinical Sciences as well as Fredrik Bergh Thorén from Institute of Biomedicine:
- Jonas Nilsson - "HER2-targeted therapies for melanoma."
- Fredrik Bergh Thorén - "NK cell recognition of cancer cells - exploring the interplay between NKp46, TRAIL and TRAIL receptors."
- Rossella Crescitelli - "Extracellular vesicles in the human tumor microenvironment: Mechanisms of cancer progression regulation."
For Rossella Crescitelli, the receiveing of the project-specific doctoral position marks an important milestone in her career as a researcher.
“This is my first chance to be the main supervisor for a PhD student. I am excited and, like with any new challenge, a bit scared. However, I will do my best to create a supportive and friendly environment for growth and success,” she says.
New opportunities for the research group
She emphasizes the value a PhD student adds to her team.
“Having a PhD student brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and dedicated focus to key aspects of our research. It also fosters collaboration and mentorship within the group.”
The PhD student will conduct in-depth analyses of extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles involved in cell-to-cell communication, and explore their role in cancer progression.
Exploring extracellular vesicles in cancer
Extracellular vesicles play a critical role in how tumor cells interact with their environment. Rossella Crescitelli’s group has developed a method to isolate these vesicles from human tissues. The PhD student will use this method to study their function in tumor tissues, with a focus on malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
“Our work could lead to biomarkers for tumor load and new therapies to slow tumor growth or even achieve cures.”
PhD recruitment has started
The PhD position and the project is expected to begin as soon as the recruitment process is finalized.
“I aspire to find a highly motivated young scientist with a genuine passion for research,” Rossella Crescitelli says.
With this new team member, she hopes to contribute to breakthroughs that could redefine our understanding and treatment of cancer.
BY: JAKOB LUNDBERG
(First published by the Institute of Clinical Sciences)
