Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Group Lehtiö

At the Department of Oncology-Pathology basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer is carried out. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the department. About 30 research groups with various cancer research profiles are involved and we have around 110 PhD students. The Department of Oncology-Pathology is responsible for undergraduate courses in Pathology, Oncology and Forensic Medicine for medical students, as well as for Tumor biology courses for biomedicine students and Pathology courses for opticians.

Description of work place
SciLifeLab offers broad opportunities in translational cancer research and to develop as a researcher by combining high-throughput molecular biosciences with a broad knowledge and the state-of-the-art equipment. The center is a collaborative effort between four universities in Stockholm and Uppsala: Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Uppsala University. Janne Lehtiö is heading the group and the proteomics facility at KI and SciLifeLab. The Melanoma research group serves as the link between the clinic and researches in laboratory which include translational and clinical biomarker research as well as epidemiological and outcome research.

Description of research group
The outcome in metastatic melanoma has dramatically improved by the introduction of targeted and immune-based therapies. Treatment predictive biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies in sub-groups patients are warranted. We now need to strengthen the melanoma research with a postdoc within the field of multi-omics and translational cancer research. The postdoctoral studies will be divided between the Cancer proteomics Mass spectrometry (MS) research group at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) and the translational biomarker team within the Melanoma group headed by Johan Hansson/sub-group Eriksson. The Lehtiö group is a translational group of scientists with a drive to improve human proteome analysis by developing new MS methods that can be applied to improve personalized cancer treatment.The aim is to gain new knowledge on proteins in the context of biological networks, to discover biomarkers and understand how genome changes impact the proteome level. In addition to the MS-data, we also generate genomic and transcriptomic data at SciLifeLab and will within this project develop analyses of proteins, mRNA and microRNAs from circulating extra cellular vesicles, which are used together with proteomics data to gain new knowledge on cancer.

Area of responsibilities/duties
We are looking for a postdoc who is curious and eager to solve biological questions with focus on translational omics research. The current position offers outstanding opportunities to develop as a researcher in an innovative and stimulating research environment by combining proteomics and genomics data, together with a dedicated group of scientists and clinicians where the postdoc will contribute with her/his expertise.

The postdoc will work on clinical specimens from patients with metastatic melanoma with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic and treatment predictive biomarkers. The research project is therefore performed in close collaboration between the clinic and the SciLifeLab. The focus will be on applying ‘omics’ methods on biologically/clinically oriented research questions and to analyze the acquired data as well as to validate the findings using public domain data. This includes cell- and molecular wet-lab experimental methods as well as investigating new strategies and solutions for the developing these methods.

Important components of the work are expertise in experimental design, development and application of genomics/transcriptomics/proteomics pipelines. Having experience in omics data analysis, knowledge about translational research in the field melanoma  as well as in statistical analyses of quantitative data is a plus.

Entry requirements
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.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

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.

Qualifications

  • PhD in biology, medicine, biomedicine, or another relevant field.
  • Documented experience in cell- and molecular wet-lab experimental methods including experience with for instance NGS, MS proteomics, extracellular vesicle analyses, drug sensitivity/resistance screens or analysis of data from other high-throughput / high-dimensionality generating methods.
  • Knowledge of systems biology/systems medicine, large-scale data analysis, integration and visualization.
  • Knowledge in statistical methods.
  • Ability to interpret omics data in a biological context.
  • Excellent communication and team work skills.
  • Fluent in English language.

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

  • Application letter
  • 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 (with three most relevant publications marked)
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

First day of employment According to agreement
Reference number 2-3559/2019
Contact
  • Hanna Eriksson, hanna.eriksson.4@ki.se
  • Helena Bäckvall, 08 - 524 812 09, helena.backvall@ki.se
  • Maria Pernemalm, Maria.pernemalm@ki.se
Union representative
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08 517 768 84, Andreas.lundqvist@ki.se
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08 517 762 79
Published 19.Jun.2019
Last application date 25.Aug.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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