Postdoctoral studies in Inflammation and cancer (scholarship)

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The research team of Assistant Professor Dr. Sylvain Peuget investigates how the bacterial microbiota participates in cancer initiation and progression. Metagenomics studies have highlighted dysregulation of the microbiota composition in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. However, how bacteria influence cancer is still poorly understood. More specifically, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms which link bacterial dysbiosis, inflammation and alterations of the tumor suppressor p53 pathway, and ultimately cancer.

Division

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations

Duties

P53 is the main tumor suppressor gene in humans, and is inactivated in virtually all cancer, either by mutation or by other mechanisms, across all tumor types. Interestingly, the splicing factor ZMAT3 has been shown to be critical for p53 tumor suppressive function. Our previous work and preliminary data suggest that ZMAT3 plays an important role during inflammation. The project aims at understanding the role of ZMAT3 in inflammation and innate immune response, both in vivo and in a novel mouse model.

The successful candidate will:

Establish and characterize a new conditional ZMAT3 KO mouse model
Investigate its response in a setting of inflammatory-driven carcinogenesis
Decipher the molecular mechanisms linking ZMAT3 and inflammation in vivo

Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to the lab routine duties of the group, will participates in group meetings and journal clubs, and will have the opportunity to attend international conferences on the topic. This project will be performed in close collaboration with Prof. Klas Wiman’s lab, discoverer of the gene ZMAT3, and Ass. Prof. Marie-Stéphanie Aschtgen, expert in infection biology, both at Karolinska Institutet.

Entry requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated, curious and creative candidate, with a background in Cancer biology or Immunology.

A strong experience in mouse models is required, including with Cre recombinase system, breeding and management of a small colony of animals. Previous experience with AOM-DSS model is a plus.
Hands-on laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and basic techniques in biochemistry (western blots, RT-qPCR) is required.
Knowledge on the p53 and/or NFkB pathway, as well as experience with RNAseq data analysis are highly valued.
Successful candidates should be self-driven and passionate about the research themes developed in the lab, have strong organizational skills, and be willing to be part of the lab team-work.

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.

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.

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