Karolinska Institutet,

At the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology we teach and conduct internationally acclaimed, high-quality research in Physiology, Pharmacology, Anesthesiology and Intensive care. We have around 400 employees, 30 research groups, and 90 doctoral students. Our research fields include cellular signaling, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neuropsychopharmacology, neuroinflammation, pharmacogenetics, regenerative medicine, Renal System, anesthesiology and intensive care, muscle physiology and pain. Our collaboration with the clinics at Karolinska University Hospital provides unique opportunities for translational research within our subjects. More information about research at http://ki.se/fyfa_english

Research Group and Project Description

A Postdoctoral position is available in the research group of Assoc. Professor Erik Norberg at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet.
Tumor cells display metabolic profiles that are remarkably distinct from their normal tissue of origin. This is to ensure fulfillment of their higher bioenergetic/biosynthetic needs required to support rapid proliferation. Less is known about metabolic heterogeneity in seemingly identical cancer cells. We have previously identified metabolic heterogeneity in lymphomas that can be rationally targeted (Cancer Cell. 2012, Cell Death Differentiation. 2017) and more recently in lung adenocarcinomas (Cell Reports, 2017, Journal of Cancer, 2017). Our group focuses on understanding fundamental biochemical mechanisms underlying metabolic heterogeneity. Hence, we are currently trying to identify molecular regulators that shape the tumor metabolism and metabolic diversity, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers.  
We have recently conducted multiple parallel primary genome-wide siRNA screenings and secondary siRNA screenings to identify regulators of metabolism. We are now looking for highly motivated candidate(s) who can biochemically validate our hits.
For more information please see our published work that includes computational analyses:
Cell Reports 2017 Jun 13;19(11):2289-2303)
Journal of Cancer 2017;8(11):2088)
Cell Death Differentiation. 2017 Feb;24(2):251-262.
Cancer Cell 2012 Oct;22(4):547-60.

Duties
The candidate will conduct research within the field of biochemical cancer research with a focus on tumor metabolism. 

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.

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

Other requirements
The candidate must have hands-on experience with:

  • - Expertise in protein expression demonstrated through the expression of several types of proteins using a wide range of methods and purification (using affinity and traditional chromatographic techniques), protein modification using enzymatic and chemical methods, and biophysical characterization.
  • - Experience with instrumentation essential for protein purification and characterization, especially AKTA FPLC and Agilent HPLC systems, SDS PAGE and Western Blot.
  • - Experience to analyse protein structures using computational approaches.

Desired skills

  • - Experience in proteomics and/or metabolomics.
  • - Mass Spectrometric analysis of proteins.
  • - Willingness to learn relevant cell biology approaches including measurement of cell growth, cell death and to perform transfections (CRISPR/Cas9 and siRNA).
  • - Experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred.

We seek exceptional, dedicated, self-motivated and hardworking individuals with a positive attitude and with substantial experience in biochemistry and cancer research. The candidate should have a strong background in biochemistry and have a strong track record (as shown by first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals).

The candidate should be able to thrive and deliver results on goals in a fast-paced, dynamic and highly multi-tasking environment. The candidate is expected to contribute to scientific discussions and presenting outcomes to colleagues beyond maintaining detailed and organized records of project data and other materials as needed. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Type of scholarship
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 application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

  • 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
  • A complete list of publications
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

Reference number 2-4298/2019
Contact
  • Erik Norberg, erik.norberg@ki.se
Union representative
  • Göran Engberg, SACO, 08-524 867 17
  • Niklas Andersson, OFR, niklas.andersson@ki.se
  • Elisabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, 08-524 863 53
Published 29.Aug.2019
Last application date 28.Sep.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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