Karolinska Institutet, Dept. of Oncology-Pathology, Research group Girnita

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.

Research group
The group led by Docent Leonard Girnita focuses on signaling pathways dysregulated in cancer, in particular in clarifying the role of the cross-talk between G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and tyrosine kinase receptors (RTK). Girnita and colleagues have identified the molecular mechanism of IGF-1R biased β-arrestin signaling, demonstrating that GRK-isoform dependent serine phosphorylation establishes a ‘barcode’ with divergent IGF-1R functional outcomes. They have also identified natural and therapeutic “biased” agonists and the major goal is to translate this knowledge into clinical practice.

Project description and duties
GRK/β-arrestin system acts as the major switch machinery within MAPK signaling pathways. This project will evaluate in detail the β-arr/MAPK complex formation, its biological functions in cancer cells, as well as the potential use of its components as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The successful l candidate will be responsible for developing relevant experimental models to explore the ability of various components of the GRK/β-arrestin system to direct defined biological response. The project may open novel strategies for more efficient treatment of cancer.

Qualifications

Essential requirements:
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry and tumor biology. The candidate should be well familiar with standard techniques such as cell culture, cell growth and cell death assays, PCR, Western, immunostaining , FACS, co-ip GST-pull down assays, recombinant protein purification, yeast two hybrid, IP-MASS.

Also:

  • Previous experience in experimental application of molecular and cellular biology techniques in cancer-biomarkers discovery
  • Good knowledge of spoken and written English
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrate ability to organize, plan and document experimental bench-work
  • Ability to stay on top of the relevant research field

Desired requirements:

  • Experience with advanced state-of-the art confocal microscopy, FRET/BRET
  • Previous training in international leading laboratories
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis including RNA and DNA seq, ChIPseq.
  • Previous experience with genetically modified mice and/or cancer drug discovery

Entry requirements
A person is eligible for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher if he or she has obtained a PhD no more than seven years before the last date of employment as postdoc. The term can be extended under special circumstances.

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

1) A complete curriculum vitae including the date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, current position, academic awards and distinctions
2) A complete list of publications, with the top two publications clearly marked
3) A summary of previous and current work (one page, font 12)
4) Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labor unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar (if relevant)
5) Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)
6) Two letters of recommendation

This is a temporary position for 12 months, with possibility of prolongation.

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-2641/2018
Contact
  • Leonard Girnita, 08 517 752 43
Union representative
  • Mimmi Shoshan, SACO, 08 517 754 60
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08 517 768 84, andreas.lundqvist@ki.se
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08 517 762 79
Published 08.May.2018
Last application date 17.May.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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