Karolinska Institutet, The Department of Medicine, Huddinge

We are looking for highly motivated and talented postdoctoral candidates to take the lead on exciting research projects in the lab of Professor Sten Eirik Jacobsen (https://ki.se/en/medh/sten-eirik-w-jacobsen-lab-hematopoietic-stem-cell-biology-group) and Assistant Professor Petter S. Woll (https://ki.se/en/medh/petter-woll-group). The fellowship and corresponding research projects are focused on regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell biology, and will be funded by existing grants, including from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Fellowships are available for 12 months in the first instance, and the possibility of extension for a further 12 months.

About the research labs
The Jacobsen and Woll labs comprises an international collaborative team focused on understanding at the single cell level the cellular and molecular pathways governing the earliest fate decisions in normal hematopoiesis [1-4] and how these are dysregulated in hematologic malignancies [5-9]. This is studied in mouse models, as well as in relevant patients. Key technologies applied towards these research questions include high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing including single cell analysis, genetic fate-mapping using next-generation-sequencing technology, flow cytometry, mouse genetics and various in vitro and in vivo stem cell assays. The fellowship-holder will have the opportunity to lead projects focused on the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data to understand heterogeneity of normal and leukemic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (e.g. see our recent paper in Nature Medicine [10]), to model hematopoietic stem cell biology through single cell functional assays and genetic fate-mapping (e.g. see our recent paper in Nature [1]), as well as to model establishment and therapeutic targeting of leukemic stem cells through genetic mouse models and patient material (e.g. see our recent paper in Cancer Cell [5]).

Projects will be pursued in part at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM; http://ki.se/en/medh/herm), and in part at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB; http://ki.se/en/cmb/startpage). The Jacobsen and Woll labs also have close interactions with other world leading research groups, and the recruited postdoctoral candidate will benefit from interactions in this highly collaborative network.

Duties
The research groups collaborate closely on these projects and the studies are conducted in mouse models and with relevant patient material. Key technologies applied towards these research questions include advanced flow cytometry, mouse genetics, high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing including single cell analysis, and various in vitro and in vivo assays. The research studies will be conducted in close cooperation with the group leaders, other scientists in the lab and external collaborators to jointly take the lead on the experimental work and data analysis of projects aiming to resolve cellular and molecular pathways regulating normal and malignant hematopoiesis. The fellowship-holder must enjoy team work and interact well with others, including other members of lab, as well as collaborating scientists and clinicians. Good communication skills will also be required for data presentations and to represent the group at local or external conferences.

Entry requirements
Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate (or have a defence scheduled within three months after the application deadline, which require case verification from the Dissertation Committee or equivalent body.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

We also want you to have: 

  • Strong track record as evidenced by one or more high impact publications in relevant research fields
  • Training in international leading laboratories
  • Good knowledge of spoken and written English
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrate ability to organize, plan and document experimental bench-work
  • Ability to stay on top of the relevant research field 

Meriting experience

  • Experience with advanced state-of-the art flow cytometry
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis including RNA and DNA seq, ChIPseq, HiC, and similar assays as well as bioinformatics analysis and computational modeling based on such data
  • Experience with mouse work
  • Experience with molecular analysis of small cell numbers, including single cell analysis

Type of scholarship
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. 

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process
An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

  1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
  2. A complete list of publications
  3. A summary of current work (no more than one page)
  4. Names and contact details of three references who are familiar with the applicant’s recent research and training

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

References

  1. Carrelha, J., et al., Hierarchically related lineage-restricted fates of multipotent haematopoietic stem cells. Nature, 2018. 554(7690): p. 106-111.
  2. Sanjuan-Pla, A., et al., Platelet-biased stem cells reside at the apex of the haematopoietic stem-cell hierarchy. Nature, 2013. 502(7470): p. 232-6.
  3. Luis, T.C., et al., Initial seeding of the embryonic thymus by immune-restricted lympho-myeloid progenitors. Nat Immunol, 2016. 17(12): p. 1424-1435.
  4. Boiers, C., et al., Lymphomyeloid contribution of an immune-restricted progenitor emerging prior to definitive hematopoietic stem cells. Cell Stem Cell, 2013. 13(5): p. 535-48.
  5. Booth, C.A.G., et al., Ezh2 and Runx1 Mutations Collaborate to Initiate Lympho-Myeloid Leukemia in Early Thymic Progenitors. Cancer Cell, 2018. 33(2): p. 274-291 e8.
  6. Giustacchini, A., et al., Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers distinct molecular signatures of stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia. Nat Med, 2017.
  7. Woll, P.S., et al., Myelodysplastic syndromes are propagated by rare and distinct human cancer stem cells in vivo. Cancer Cell, 2014. 25(6): p. 794-808.
  8. Mead, A.J., et al., Germline JAK2 mutation in a family with hereditary thrombocytosis. N Engl J Med, 2012. 366(10): p. 967-9.
  9. Tehranchi, R., et al., Persistent malignant stem cells in del(5q) myelodysplasia in remission. N Engl J Med, 2010. 363(11): p. 1025-37.
  10. Giustacchini, A., et al., Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers distinct molecular signatures of stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia. Nat Med, 2017. 23(6): p. 692-702.
Type of employment Postdoctoral studies.
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Number of positions 4
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Huddinge
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-632/2019
Contact
  • Dimitra Vasileiadi, Research Coordinator,, Dimitra.Vasileiadi@ki.se
Union representative
  • Yvonne Edlund OFR/ST , yvonne.edlund@ki.se
  • Mats Rudling, SACO, mats.rudling@ki.se
Published 28.Jan.2019
Last application date 24.Feb.2019 11:59 PM CET

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