Postdoctoral Scholarship Researcher in Cancer Research focusing on intratumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The successful candidate will work on childhood neuroblastoma and paraganglioma in the research group headed by Susanne Schlisio:

The research is performed in an interdisciplinary setting with strong collaboration with clinical departments and other national and international research groups.

We are seeking a motivated, creative post-doctoral candidate interested in exploring drivers of intratumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity in childhood neuroblastoma and paraganglioma.

Intratumor heterogeneity and high plasticity account for therapy resistance. Causes of plasticity cell state transitions during tumor progression remain poorly understood. Currently, there is no effective treatment that addresses cancer heterogeneity. Systematic characterization of dynamic properties of intratumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity can guide treatment strategies and improve clinical outcome for cancer patients. We aim at elucidating the origin and heterogeneity of paraganglioma and childhood neuroblastoma by developing a new analytic and experimental approach based on spatial transcriptomics and single-cell transcriptomics with integrated mass spectrometry. We use organoids, cell lines and generate novel tumor mouse model systems and include human tumors to perform comparative differentiation trajectory analysis, to make predictions and, finally, to perform preliminary validations of envisioned tumor differentiation strategies.

In addition, we are also looking for motivated, creative post-doctoral candidates interested in cancer metabolism with knowledge in mitochondrial biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. We currently defining how mitochondrial dynamics and mass is related to cancer therapy resistance.

Division and Duties

We offer a highly interdisciplinary environment , integrating computational biology with cancer and developmental biology. We develop new analytic and experimental approaches based on single nuclei transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics to explore intra-tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. Furthermore, we generate novel tumor mouse model systems and include human tumors to perform comparative differentiation trajectory analysis, to make predictions and, finally, to perform preliminary validations of envisioned tumor differentiation strategies.

For examples of how the research can be conducted, please see:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34493726/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35760869/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33385330/

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. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

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

Qualifications:

• We are looking for a highly self-motivated person with a strong background in cellular and molecular biology with a keen interest in nervous system tumors.
• Experience in mitochondrial biology, molecular and cellular biology techniques, confocal imaging and mouse modeling is highly desired; and good ability to communicate in English (written and verbal) is required.
•  A documented ability to independently carry out experimental research projects is required
• We are looking for independent and driven candidates who have at least one first-name publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• The successful applicants may have experience in one or several of the following techniques/models: Molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques, e.g. cloning, qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, Bioinformatics, mouse as a model system, Organoid cultures, Mitochondria research 

Merits:

• It is considered as a merit if the applicant has experience in flow cytometry, imaging, laboratory animal work or bioinformatics analysis tools.

Location: Solna

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.
Send in the application at the latest  2^nd May.   

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