Postdoctoral studies in Infection and Cancer - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Division
Two exciting Postdoctoral Research Scientist positions are available in the groups of Professor Maria G. Masucci and Associate Professor Teresa Frisan at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. The successful applicants will join a research team studying the molecular mechanisms by which long term infections with oncogenic viruses and bacteria expressing DNA damaging toxins promote carcinogenesis. The two projects focus on:

1. Induction of DNA damage and telomere dysfunction and their contribution to tumor initiation and progression. The objective is to applying fundamental knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry to understand the pathogenesis of infection-associated cancers, identify new targets for interfering in pro-inflammatory and regulatory pathways, and study the contribution of oxidative stress to the regulation of virus latency and replication.

2. Characterization of the effects of bacterial genotoxins on tissue architecture (e.g. intestinal tract and liver), the host response (special focus on the immune response), the induction of DNA damage and genomic instability caused by short term and long term infection/intoxication in ex vivo organoids and in vivo models.

Prior experience of work on one or more of the following area: regulation of DNA damage response and telomere homeostasis, laboratory animal models and certified FELASA C level education will be considered as a merit.

The posts are available immediately for 1 year in the first instance with possibility for extension.

Duties

• To be responsible for the development of the research project and plan new studies with other team members
• To advance key research in the host laboratory within the field of study
• To present data and ideas at regular laboratory group meetings
• To participate in presenting the research results and preparing reports and publications necessary for the successful performance of the research
• To report regularly to the PI on scientific activities and any other issues that may influence the optimal running of the project and other projects within the group
• To present research in national and international symposia and to non-specialist audiences
• To work independently
• To generate and keep an updated record of all the experimental results
• To discuss results with all members of the laboratory
• To be accountable for personal professional conduct within the project
• You will be required to work as part of a team, working co-operatively with senior and junior colleagues and sharing laboratory and research resources
• To prepare a draft of scientific publications
• To ensure that work in the Department is conducted safely, legally and in accord with the highest standards of data protection
• To give due regard to the University Equal Opportunities, Data Protection and other relevant policies
• To supervise junior members of the lab
• To participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Department and the University. This is anticipated to be not more than 2 days per year

Entry requirements
Essential Skills:

• A PhD in Virology, Bacteriology, Tumor Biology or related sciences.
• Experience in cellular or molecular biology
• Proven research skills in tumor virology with specific interest in molecular pathogenesis (project 1)
• Proven research skills in handling laboratory animal models (project 2)
• Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
• The ability to manage the day-to-day running of a research project
• The ability to present research in national and international symposia and to non-specialist audiences
• Evidence of efficient working and keeping well-organized archives and high quality records of research data
• A willingness to show initiative in developing and planning new strategies and new techniques and to achieve research goals
• An ability to demonstrate excellent and effective communications with other laboratory members and can provide both written and oral examples of liaising regularly with the Group Leader to develop and discuss ideas

Desirable Skills: 

• A desire to undertake cutting-edge scientific research
• Proven research skills in molecular biology or biochemistry
• Experience of writing scientific papers
• Experience in virology and tumor biology

One or more first author articles in leading refereed journals and the presentation of papers at international conferences,
Scholarships to pursue postdoctoral studies may be awarded to individuals who come from other countries with the intention of remaining in Sweden only while obtaining all or part of their education. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher. Having received a salary or other remuneration from Karolinska Institutet during the past two years may be disqualifying.

One requirement for receiving a scholarship for postdoctoral studies is central registration as a postdoc.

Type of scholarship
Karolinska Institutet awards scholarships to pursue postdoctoral studies.  This educational scholarship, which is paid for a maximum of two years within four years after the receipt of a PhD or the equivalent, is tax-exempt.

The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

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

1. Curriculum vitae and qualifications, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s qualifications portfolio (http://ki.se/meritportfolj )
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current work (no more than one page)
4. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organisations, parental leave or similar circumstances
5. Verification from the thesis defence committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defence is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)

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