Research Specialist in Epithelial Tumor Initiation

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Description of the subject area

Molecular and cellular understanding of mechanisms governing tumor initiation is key for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting cancer cells. The advertised  position is focused on understanding mechanisms of epithelial tumor intiation in the mouse esophagus, with a particular interest in characterizing the interplay between the epithelium and peri-epithelial stromal fibroblasts.

Your mission

The current project is centered around a chemically induced mouse model of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. You will characterize epithelial and stromal cell state changes during tumor initiation, as well as identify transcriptional changes required for tissue transformation. You will use a combination of in vivo genetic labelling and lineage tracing and/or depletion modells as well as transcriptional profiling to understand early tumor formation. In addition, you will investigate the contribution of extracellular matrix to transformation.

Eligibility requirements

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

The candidate should have previous experience of working with mouse models of epithelial transformation, preferably the esophageal epithelium. In addition, previous experience of mapping epithelial-stromal signaling in vivo and in vitro is required. Documented ability to characterize and test the impact of extracellular matrix on tumor initiation is a strenght.

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed based on their expertise and eligibility. In addition, the selected candidate should fit well into the current research group.

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has documented experience from the field of epithelial stem cell biology, focusing on the esophageal epithelium. Furthermore, experience working with mouse models of transformation and previous understanding of stromal cell states is considered important.

It is meritorious that the applicant have experience from developing in vitro organoid co-culture systems. Furthermore, it is meritorious to have hands-on experience from using methods to probe the role of extracellular matrix in tumor initiation.

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. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

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Application

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

Welcome to apply!

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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