Postdoctoral studies in metabolism, virology and tumor biology (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

We are seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our multidisciplinary team at Karolinska Institutet. The successful candidates will work on the project titled “Causal Role, Mechanistic Impact, and Therapeutic Targeting of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in Brain Cancer.” This project integrates both basic and applied research to uncover the underlying causes of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive brain tumor, for which no effective therapy currently exists.

Duties

About the Project

Our research has shown that 99% of glioblastomas (GBMs) are positive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can enhance tumor aggressiveness. We have demonstrated that high viral activity in GBM is correlated with poor outcomes and that antiviral therapy, when combined with standard treatment, shows promise in extending survival time by 10–12 months. We found that radiotherapy induced reactivation of HCMV in about 50% of patients who have very high risk for early tumor recurrencies.

The primary focus of this project is to identify key mechanisms that initiate HCMV reactivation in within the tumor. Additionally, we will study the interplay between viral reactivation and host cell alterations in metabolism and genome instability, which promote GBM progression.

We will investigate how HCMV reactivation is regulated by DNA damage, inflammation, and metabolic changes in both experimental systems and in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Furthermore, we will explore metabolic modifiers and assess the effects of antiviral drugs and an HCMV vaccine in a mouse model to enhance GBM therapy.

Key Goals of the Project:

Identify key cellular activation signals that triggers metabolic rewiring to the Warburg effect that appears essential for HCMV reactivation, and how this controls activation of immune cells and cellular fate via epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Determine which metabolic alterations promote HCMV reactivation from latency and how this affects tumor progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• The postdoctoral researchers will conduct studies utilizing cell and molecular biology techniques as well as virology approaches and methods assessing mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic changes in immune cells and cancer cells.
• Perform experiments to identify intracellular signaling pathways that trigger metabolic rewiring in normal cells.
• Collaborate with consortium partners to develop and implement methods addressing mitochondrial functions and metabolic changes in stressed cells.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present data at scientific conferences.
• Activity in applying for external research funding.

Entry requirements

Requirements:

• PhD in cell biology, virology, metabolic research, medicine, life sciences or a related field.
• Outstanding potential and established excellence in research.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience in scientific publishing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The applicant should have a strong background in virology, cell or molecular biology, epigenetics, immunology or metabolic research, of which the later two competences have the highest priority for the position.
• Hands-on experience in working with methods related to virology, intracellular signaling, mitochondrial biology, or cellular metabolism is of advantage.
• Particular attention will be paid to candidates’ international research experience.
• Other academic achievements in addition to the doctoral degree. 

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their postdoctoral research 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. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

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

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 innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of ten divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located at SciLifeLab and the Center for Molecular Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, Professors Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér and Jiri Bartek lead a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team focused on advancing both fundamental and translational cancer research. Our work explores key areas such as virology, cellular metabolism, replication stress, and ribosomal biology in the context of tumor development. With a strong emphasis on brain cancer, our research aims to uncover novel mechanisms driving disease progression and treatment resistance. In addition to laboratory-based studies, we are actively involved in the design and implementation of clinical trials, with the goal of improving prognosis and developing more effective therapies for patients. More information about our group leaders can be found on their Karolinska Institutet profiles: Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér and Jiri Bartek.

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.

Application process

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

• 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
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

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