Principal Researcher, development of applications of extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy and diagnostics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are seeking a highly motivated person to join as a principal researcher to work on cancer applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The group of Professor Samir El-Andaloussi is a world leading lab in the field of EVs, with the main aim to one day unlock the potential of protein and gene therapy by the development of novel and efficient delivery technologies. The group is multinational and consists of about 30 researchers and students with an open and creative atmosphere, located at Campus Huddinge.

Description of the subject area

Our research efforts in EL Andaloussi´s lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; delivery. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. This is simply because there is no efficient means of delivering these therapeutics to the right organ with the right dose. Such therapeutics include proteins for replacement therapy or antibodies for anti-inflammatory treatment as well as nucleic acids for gene therapy of diseases including muscular dystrophies and neurodegenerative disorders. We develop innovative drug delivery technologies that are able to carry protein and/or gene therapies to the target tissues safely and efficiently. We have developed a promising technology based on reprogramming exosomes, which are vesicles that are naturally used by cells to communicate, to carry therapeutic proteins and nucleic acids. We engineer exosomes with enhanced delivery and targeting capacities and screen our wide array of exosome designs in disease-relevant cellular and animal models. Additionally, our lab develops methods for gene therapy based on modified cell-penetrating peptides that are efficient carriers of nucleic acids and proteins across biological barriers. We test our different technologies in models of inflammatory diseases, tumors as well as neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Our main aim is to one day unlock the potential of protein and gene therapy of such diseases by the development of novel and efficient delivery technologies.

Your mission

The work will focus on developing bioengineered extracellular vesicles aimed for treatment of malignancies as well as exploring diagnostic potential of extracellular vesicles in different cancer settings. The research includes utilizing cell lines, animal models, and potentially patient samples. The work involves molecular cloning, transduction of cells, incorporation of therapeutic cargo and subsequent purification of engineered exosomes harboring therapeutic small molecules, proteins or RNA. In addition to the development of therapeutic extracellular vesicles, the project further involves development of techniques for the use of EVs as liquid biopsies in the context of cancer.      

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a Principal Researcher, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise. The applicant must also be a Research Leader and have established their own line of research. The applicant should furthermore have shown documented, high-quality scientific production, particularly in the last six years and have the potential to energetically drive their research forward as well as be recognized nationally and internationally. The applicant should also have obtained good, long-term and preferably external funding and have the potential to obtain further external funding.  The applicant should have shown teaching and supervision experience and demonstrated good leadership qualities.

Prospective candidates should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• The applicants should have a solid background in molecular and tumor biology or biotechnology and oncology. Practical lab experience is essential, especially in the following areas: Expression and purification of recombinant proteins, fluorescent/confocal microscopy (ICC and IHC), protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA and IP), flow cytometry, cell culture work (knock-in and –out, establishing cell lines and cell assays), purification and quantification of extracellular vesicles, RNA expression analysis (rtPCR, qPCR and ddPCR). The applicant must have extensive previous experience from work with exosomes. Felasa C certificate for animal work is a prerequisite.

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Experience from clinical oncology is meritorious and the research position can be combined with a clinical position. In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is highly desired. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in, and actively contributes to our team.

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Flemingsberg

Your career continues here]

https://ki.se/en/labmed/research-group-samir-el-andaloussi

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish.
An application must contain the following documents: Resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 25th of March 2022

The applications will be reviewed by external reviewers.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all