Karolinska Institutet

At the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology we teach and conduct internationally acclaimed, high-quality research in Physiology, Pharmacology, Anesthesiology and Intensive care. We have around 400 employees, 30 research groups, and 90 doctoral students. Our research fields include cellular signaling, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neuropsychopharmacology, neuroinflammation, pharmacogenetics, regenerative medicine, Renal System, anesthesiology and intensive care, muscle physiology and pain. Our collaboration with the clinics at Karolinska University Hospital provides unique opportunities for translational research within our subjects. More information about research at http://ki.se/fyfa_english

Research Group and Project Description
Tumor cells display metabolic profiles that are remarkably distinct from their normal tissue of origin. This is to ensure fulfillment of their higher bioenergetic/biosynthetic needs required to support rapid proliferation. Less is known about metabolic heterogeneity in seemingly identical cancer cells. We have previously identified metabolic heterogeneity in lymphomas that can be rationally targeted (Cancer Cell. 2012, Cell Death Differentiation. 2017) and more recently in lung adenocarcinomas (Cell Reports, 2017, Journal of Cancer, 2017). Our group focuses on understanding fundamental mechanisms underlying metabolic heterogeneity. To this end, we are currently trying to identify molecular regulators that shape the tumor metabolism and metabolic diversity, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers. We employ a translational approach including primary patient material paralleled by studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms in cancer cells, normal cells and cancer mouse models. We are employing an integrative approach consisting of metabolomics, proteomics as well as various genetic, biochemical and molecular biological tools. 
The announced postdoc project will have a central focus on identifying novel molecular regulators of tumor metabolism by using siRNA screening methodology, and aim to target the identified metabolic regulators and study its impact on tumor cell survival.
Relevant References:Cell Reports 2017 Jun 13;19(11):2289-2303, Journal of Cancer 2017;8(11):2088), Cell Death Differentiation. 2017 Feb;24(2):251-262, Trends Cell Biol. 2014 Feb;24(2):118-27, Cancer Cell 2012 Oct;22(4):547-60.

Duties
The applicants will conduct research within the field of molecular cancer research with a focus on tumor metabolism. We seek exceptional, dedicated, highly motivated and hardworking individuals with considerable experience in cell and molecular biology as well as biochemistry. The candidate should have a strong background in cancer biology and have a strong track record in cancer biology (as shown by first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals), experience with cell culturing and transfection techniques incl. siRNA and overexpression techniques and ability to work independently.

Entry requirements
Scholarships for carrying out postdoctoral research may be granted to persons living in other countries who come to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI. Qualified to be admitted as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences or related discipline(s) including Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. The candidate must be willing to work ambitiously and effectively in a collaborative environment with a strong commitment to research. Successful candidates must have great organizational skills with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. Additionally, good communication skills in English are required.

Type of scholarship
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. This educational scholarship 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. Provide a motivation letter including career goals, relevant experience for the project etc. (no more than one A4 page).
    5. Reference letters from at least two previous employers and their contact information
    6. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or studentorganisations, parental leave or similar circumstances
    7. 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 Varbi recruitment system.

First day of employment In agreement with group leader
Reference number 2-2955/2018
Contact
  • Erik Norberg, Group leader,, Erik.Norberg@ki.se
Union representative
  • Bo Rydqvist, SACO, 08-524 872 67, bo.rydqvist@ki.se
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
  • Niklas Andersson, OFR, niklas.andersson@ki.se
Published 29.May.2018
Last application date 09.Jul.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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