Researcher in drug delivery systems against pediatric leukemia - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Division
The Clinical Research Centre (CRC) is a common resource for researchers from different departments at Karolinska Institutet and/or clinics at Karolinska University Hospital. The major part of the clinical research at Karolinska University Hospital is performed at CRC, presently comprising some 20 research groups with over 150 employees. The Centre provides the facilities needed for cell- and molecular biology research and the possibility to perform research in vivo.

The position is placed in the research group of Caroline Palm Apergi. The Palm Apergi group primarily focus on different drug delivery systems against pediatric leukemia. The lab has different on-going projects related to delivery and application of therapeutic oligonucleotides and small molecules and a wide number of close collaborations related to leukemia research with labs both within and outside Karolinska Institutet.

The group is working with small molecule drugs and RNAi prodrugs to target Polo-like kinase 1, a serine/threonine kinase with key roles in the cell cycle. RNAi prodrugs and small molecule inhibitors are analyzed in primary cells from pediatric leukemia patients and healthy donors. The group is also investigating the Plk family expression in pediatric leukemia patients versus healthy donors, developing proliferation protocols for primary leukemia cells, studying off targets by the use of cellular thermal shift assay and the potential of extracellular vesicles in pediatric leukemia.

Duties
We are seeking a highly motivated person with an interdisciplinary background that will become group leader and, thus, have full financial and administrative responsibility in addition to leading the research projects and supervising the students.

Entry requirements
A person is eligible for a position as Researcher if he or she has obtained a PhD and completed several postdoctoral experiences, preferably abroad, and has documented research activities after the doctoral degree, corresponding to assistant professor. Suitable candidates should have PhD in chemistry, preferably within the area of drug delivery.

Extensive experience in cellular and molecular medicine within the area of peptide/oligonucleotide design, synthesis and delivery for therapeutic targeting in cancer both in vitro and in vivo, is of merit, as well as previous experience in chemical biology of small molecules and RNAi therapeutics in pediatric leukemia. Previous experience in cell biology including cell cycle proteins is of merit.

The applicant should have a solid background in experimental oncology with focus on targeted therapies, preferably in primary cells from leukemia patients. The position requires experience in practical lab experience in the following areas; Peptide/RNA design and synthesis, analytical chemistry, flow cytometry, drug delivery, RNAi prodrugs, small molecule drugs, primary cell culturing techniques, isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from blood and bone marrow samples and drug analysis. The project requires that the applicant has an ethical permit to study novel drugs and RNA/protein expression in primary blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells from pediatric leukemia patients.

Previous publications within the field of RNA/peptide/Plk1/pediatric leukemia field are of merit.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who will fits in, and actively contributes to our department.

Bases of assessment
We stress research expertise when assessing applicants.

Application process
An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defense, 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 through the Varbi recruitment system.

At Karolinska Institutet a 6-month trial period is required for all permanent appointments.