Research Specialist in cancer research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

A research specialist position is available in the group of Docent Leonard Girnita at the Department of Oncology-Pathology. The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary research team with a translational profile in cancer signaling. 

Description of the subject area

The group led by Docent Leonard Girnita focuses on signaling pathways dysregulated in cancer, in particular in clarifying the role of the cross-talk between G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and tyrosine kinase receptors (RTK). Girnita and colleagues have identified the molecular mechanism of IGF-1R biased signaling, demonstrating that GRK/β-arrestin complex controls IGF-1R functional outcomes. They have also identified natural and therapeutic “biased” agonists and the major goal is to translate this knowledge into clinical practice.

This project will evaluate in detail the β-arrestin-signaling complex formation, its biological functions in cancer cells, as well as the potential use of its components as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The project may open novel strategies for more efficient treatment of cancer.

Your mission

As a research specialist, you will be responsible for developing relevant experimental models to explore the ability of various components of the GRK/β-arrestin system to direct defined biological response. You will lead and develop research aiming to establish functional models to evaluate crosstalk between RTK/GPCR signaling in cancer. You will supervise PhD students, master students, and postdocs. You will also take an active part in the collaboration with our partners at other universities with the goal to develop relevant experimental models. The work will include the design of projects, experimental work, data analysis, results interpretation, and presentation of findings in the form of scientific publications and grant application.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a research specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation.

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and independent researcher with a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry and tumor biology.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in tumor biology, medical science, or another relevant field and minimum 5-year postdoctoral research experience from a research group other than where the Ph.D. education was conducted.

The candidate should be able to document advanced proficiency with the following techniques:

Cell culture work: cell culture, cell growth and cell death assays, generation of stable cell lines.

RNA experiments: RT-qPCR, RNA extraction from FFPE samples. Plasmid constructions using restriction enzymes and gateway system. Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis including RNA and DNA seq, ChIPseq,

Protein experiments: Western blots, immunostaining, FACS, co-ip GST-pull down assays, recombinant protein purification, yeast two hybrid, IP-MASS. Experience with advanced state-of-the art confocal microscopy, FRET/BRET.

Xenopus or zebrafish experiments: Handling of these animals, microinjection techniques to eggs, and whole mount in situ hybridization. Previous experience with genetically modified animal models and/or cancer drug discovery.

Handling and use of cancer patient research samples and competence in primary cell 3D culture models.

Previous experience in experimental application of molecular and cellular biology techniques in cancer-biomarkers discovery.

Additionally, the candidate must have:

• Documented research experience within cancer signaling field.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific articles and publish them in an outstanding level of international scientific journals.
• Experience with drafting grant applications.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising/co-supervising students at the undergraduate and doctoral level.
• Demonstrate ability to organize, plan and document experimental bench-work
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with colleagues in very diverse fields.

Assessment criteria

The candidate should have demonstrated capacity and experience into all aspects described under eligibility requirements. We stress research expertise, experience and interest of leadership and teamwork when assessing applicants. The ability to take responsibility for specific research platforms and mentoring students will strengthen the application.

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.

Application

An application must contain the following documents in English:

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 or past work (no more than two pages) highlighting how the eligibility requirements are met. 

Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio

Send in your application May 13th at the latest. 

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