Research assistant in leukemia microenvironment

Do you want to contribute to better treatment of leukemia?

The selected candidate will be working and trained in Hong Qian’ group  at the Center for hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), the Department of Medicine Huddinge, Flemingsberg Campus.

Hong Qian’ group  aims to unravel the role of the hematopoietic niche, including mesenchymal stem cells, in myeloid leukemia. The ultimate goal is to identify new niche-based therapeutic targets for better treatment outcomes of the diseases. The group has so far mainly focused on the mesenchymal niche in myeloid leukemia in patients and mouse models. The group has identified a set of molecules that are dysregulated in the leukemia niche. Among them, we have shown that Lama4, a receptor-binding chain of extracellular matrix protein laminin isoforms, inhibits acute myeloid leukemia progression and relapse (Cai, et al., Blood, 2022) and that CXCL14, a chemokine, suppresses the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia-initiating stem cells (Dolinska, Cai, Månsson et al., Blood 2023).

Your Role
The main duties of the research assistant are to assist the group in the projects on functional evaluation of various niche factors in the survival of leukemic stem cells by performing cell co-culture, flow cytometry, PCR-based genotyping and gene sequencing, and confocal imaging. Specifically, the research assistant will be required to perform mesenchymal stem cell isolation, test new reagents, as well as basic cell culture work. The research assistant will also be responsible for planning, performing, and analyzing some experiments within a project, independently or under the supervision of the group leader or group members. 

Who Are You
The successful candidate will conduct the research with a special focus on deciphering molecular pathways mediating leukemic stem cell interaction with their niche under the supervision of the group leader (Dr. Hong Qian). In addition, the candidate is also expected to participate in collaborative projects.

We are looking for someone with research and lab experience in the field of blood diseases. The candidate should be self-motivated, with a strong research interest, and able to work both independently and as a good team player with excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written. Experience of working/training in international research laboratories and scientific publications is appreciated.

It is considered a merit if the applicant has experience in multi-color flow cytometry and mouse models.

Essential requirements
•    at least Master's degree in molecular and cell biology or biomedicine or medicine
•    Good proficiency of spoken and written English
•    Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
•    Flow cytometry experience
•    Cell culture experience, particularly, co-culture with mesenchymal stem cells.

Desired requirements
•    Experience in leukemia niche
•    Experience in drug testing
•    Experience with mouse work

Personal suitability will be a strong selection criterion.

What do we offer?

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 better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Flemingsberg

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 24 October, 2024.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. 

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