Postdoctoral studies in translational leukemia/cancer biology (Scholarship) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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The main objectives of the Department of Oncology-Pathology are basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the department. 37 research groups with various cancer research profiles are involved and we have around 120 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.

Division

The postdoctoral studies will be conducted in the Cancer proteomics Mass spectrometry (MS) research group at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). Janne Lehtiö is heading the group and the proteomics facility at KI and SciLifeLab. SciLifeLab is a collaboration effort between four universities in Stockholm and Uppsala: Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Uppsala University. The center combines state-of-the-art equipment with a broad knowledge in translational medicine and molecular biosciences. Since 2013 SciLifeLab has an assignment from the government to work as a national infrastructure and the vision is to make SciLifeLab a competitive center for high-throughput biosciences meant for research within health and environment.

Duties

We are a translational group of scientists with a drive to improve personalized cancer treatment by the means of mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis. Proteomics is a research field aiming to study proteins on a systems level by simultaneous analysis of thousands of proteins. We aim to gain new knowledge on proteins in the context of biological networks, to discover biomarkers and understand how genome changes impact the proteome level. In addition to the MS-data, we also generate genomic and transcriptomic data at SciLifeLab, which are used together with proteomics data to gain in-depth insights into cancer biology. We are engaged in method development projects to improve tissue, cell line and plasma proteomics, for example, using high resolution peptide isoelectric focusing (HiRIEF), subcellular localization analysis and targeted proteomics to increase sensitivity and throughput in clinical validation of proteomics data. We are also applying CETSA and thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to study target engagement of drugs in variety of contexts.

We now seek to strengthen our leukemia sub-group led by assistant professor Rozbeh Jafari with a postdoctoral researcher within the field of molecular and cellular biology in leukemia research.

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Qualifications

We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate with a PhD in cell- or molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, drug development or equivalent field. We expect the candidate to have a strong scientific background with relevant and extensive expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques to study cancer biology. Experience with the following techniques are required: maintenance of primary cell cultures and cell lines, cell viability assays, standard cell- and molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA/protein preparation and characterization, immunoprecipitation, western blot, RT-PCR, siRNA/shRNA transfection and gene overexpression.

The postdoc will work on validating novel biomarkers from our previous analysis of genomics and proteomics data derived from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines as well as clinical specimens (https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-443839/v1). The postdoc will also learn and apply thermal proteomics methods such as CETSA and TPP to study and characterize investigational oncology drugs in relevant disease models. Therefore, previous experience and expertise in hematological cancers such as ALL/AML is ideal. Experience with drug development and screening, mass spectrometry based proteomics or other omics technologies are highly valued and beneficial.

An ideal candidate has a strong scientific background with a desire to work with cancer research in a translational, interdisciplinary and international research environment. We are seeking a scientist that is creative, independent and goal-oriented, and committed to solve scientific research questions. The applicant is expected to work in a diligent and structured manner to take responsibility in generating properly controlled scientific data of high quality. The candidate is expected to take a strong lead in managing and driving the project(s) as well as writing manuscripts and grant proposals. Since the postdoctoral studies involves close interaction with several researchers, an emphasis is also placed on interpersonal and analytical skills as well as communication skills in English (spoken and written).

The current position offers great possibility for innovative research combining genomics, quantitative- and thermal proteomics together with a dedicated group of scientists.

Entry requirements

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for 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. 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 (PhD). To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a PhD in the relevant field.

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

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system December 18 at the latest. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

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)

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