Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Research group Wiman

At the Department of Oncology-Pathology basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer is carried out. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the department. About 30 research groups with various cancer research profiles are involved and we have around 110 PhD students. The Department of Oncology-Pathology is responsible for undergraduate courses in Pathology, Oncology and Forensic Medicine for medical students, as well as for Tumor biology courses for biomedicine students and Pathology courses for opticians.

Research group
The group is led by professor Klas Wiman. Ongoing research in the group is focused on the tumor suppressor gene TP53 and development of novel cancer therapy. Wiman and colleagues have previously identified the compound APR-246 that reactivates missense mutant p53 and triggers tumor cell death. APR-246 is currently tested in a phase II clinical trial.

Project description
A significant fraction (10%) of TP53 mutations in human tumors are nonsense mutations that give rise to premature termination and expression of truncated non-functional p53 protein. In a new project funded by an Advanced ERC grant, Wiman and colleagues are identifying and developing novel compounds that can reactivate nonsense mutant TP53 by induction of translational readthrough of premature termination codons in TP53. Translational readthrough of nonsense mutant RB1, PTEN and APC tumor suppressor genes will also be studied. The project involves characterization of candidate readthrough-inducing compounds using a wide range of in vitro and cell culture assays, drug optimization by medicinal chemistry and analysis of structure-activity relationship, and in vivo studies in relevant mouse models.
The expected time for the project is 3 years. The long term aim is clinical trials with one or several promising compounds, and ultimately the development of novel anticancer drugs for efficient treatment of tumors that carry nonsense mutations in TP53, RB1, PTEN or APC.

Qualifications
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in molecular biology and/or tumor biology. The candidate should be well familiar with standard techniques such as cell culture, cell growth and cell death assays, PCR, Western, immunostaining and FACS. Previous experience with cancer drug discovery and/or mouse in vivo models are strong merits.

Entry requirements
A person is eligible for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher if he or she has obtained a PhD no more than seven years before the last date of employment as postdoc. The term can be extended under special circumstances.
This is a temporary position starting with 6 months, with good possibilities of prolongation for the rest of the project.

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

1) A complete curriculum vitae including the date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, current position, academic awards and distinctions
2) A complete list of publications, with the top two publications clearly marked
3) A summary of previous and current work (one page, font 12)
4) Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labor unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar (if relevant)
5) Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)
6) Two letters of recommendation

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-10-01 or according to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-4593/2018
Contact
  • Klas Wiman, Professor, 08 517 793 42
Union representative
  • Mimmi Shoshan, SACO, 08 517 754 60
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08 517 762 79
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08 517 768 84, andreas.lundqvist@ki.se
Published 28.Aug.2018
Last application date 28.Sep.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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