Postdoctoral studies in translational leukemia/cancer biology (Scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

Division

The work will be conducted in the Cancer proteomics Mass spectrometry (MS) research group headed by Professor Janne Lehtiö at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). Karolinska Institutet is one of the four founding universities for SciLifeLab which is today a national infrastructure and research center in technology driven life sciences. Lehtiö group is a translational group of scientists with a drive to improve human proteome analysis by developing and using new proteomics methods that can be applied to improve personalized cancer treatment. We now need to strengthen our leukemia sub-group with a postdoc within the field of cell and molecular biology and leukemia research. We offer a very stimulating and diverse working atmosphere in a team of very motivated cancer researchers.

Duties

We are a translational group of scientists dedicated to advancing personalized cancer treatment in leukemias through multiple MS-based proteome analysis approaches. We seek to understand how protein interactions and modifications affect drug sensitivity and resistance, providing critical insights for precision medicine strategies. To achieve this, we employ CETSA and thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to study drug target engagement across various contexts.

Building on our recent studies (Leo, I.R. et al., Nat Commun 13, 1691 (2022), PMID: 35354797; and Kurzawa, N. et al., Nat Chem Biol 19, 962–971 (2023), PMID: 36941476), we are seeking a motivated postdoctoral candidate researcher within the field of molecular and cellular biology to advance the study and validation of our precision medicine candidates, with a strong focus on their translational implementation.

For further information please visit: Lehtiö Lab

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit 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.

We are seeking an exceptionally and highly motivated candidate with a PhD in cell or molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, drug development, or in a related field. The ideal candidate should have a strong scientific foundation in cancer biology with extensive expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to cancer research. Proficiency in the following techniques is required: maintenance of primary cell cultures and cell lines, cell viability assays, and standard cell and molecular biology methods, including DNA/RNA/protein preparation and characterization, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, RT-PCR, siRNA/shRNA transfection, CRISPR/Cas9, and gene overexpression.

The successful candidate will validate novel biomarkers identified from genomics and proteomics analyses of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines and clinical specimens. Additionally, the postdoc will learn and apply advanced thermal proteomics methods, such as CETSA and TPP, to study and characterize investigational oncology drugs in relevant disease models. Prior experience in hematological cancers such as ALL/AML with experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting and isolation is highly desirable. Expertise in drug development, screening, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, or other omics technologies is strongly valued.

We are looking for a dedicated and goal-oriented scientist with a passion for leukemia research in a translational, interdisciplinary, and international setting. The ideal candidate is creative, independent, and committed to addressing scientific challenges. They are expected to work in a diligent and structured manner, ensuring the generation of high-quality, well-controlled scientific data. The role also requires taking a leadership position in managing and driving research projects, as well as in preparing manuscripts and grant proposals.

Since the position involves close collaboration with multiple researchers, strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in English (spoken and written) are essential. Analytical thinking and effective communication will be key to success in this role.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in innovative research at the intersection of genomics, quantitative proteomics, and thermal proteomics, working alongside a dedicated group of scientists.

Additional merits

• Knowledge and working experience in MS based proteomics and/or genomics/transcriptomics is an advantage.
• Familiarity with acute leukemia biology, including ALL, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge/experience of drug discovery and development methods.
• Knowledge/experience in omic-data analysis in R, python is an advantage.

Location: Science for Life Laboratory, Campus 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. At the latest 19^th January. 

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