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

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 is led by professor Tina Dalianis. Ongoing research in the group is focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck cancer, more specifically, tonsillar and base of tongue cancer and personalized medicine. Tina Dalianis and colleagues have previously detected that HPV is a risk factor for tonsillar and base of tongue cancer and responsible for the epidemic increases in these diseases the past decades. In addition, the group has shown that patients with HPV positive tumors have a much better clinical outcome as compared to those with HPV negative tumors (80% vs. 20% 3-year disease specific survival). The group is therefore working on identifying additional biomarkers, useful for prognostication and for better tailored therapy. Today’s intensified therapy could namely most likely be de-escalated for those with good prognosis, while it has not improved survival for those with worse prognosis and other options such as targeted therapy would be of benefit.

Project description
The group has already identified several biomarkers that have some predictive value for HPV positive tonsillar and base of tongue cancer, of which having high CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and the presence of HPV E2 mRNA are two positive prognostic factors. Furthermore, a number of targetable markers of which some have prognostic value e.g. VEGFA and mutated/overexpressed FGFR3 are another two. The long term aim is to find a battery of biomarkers for prognostication for de-escalation of treatment for those with excellent prognosis and to offer those with worse prognosis targeted therapy. Much effort is in finding different biomarkers, by sequencing, immunohistochemistry and protein profiling. In addition, several drugs are and will be tested on several tonsillar and base of tongue cancer cell lines. 

Qualifications
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in molecular biology and/or tumor biology. The candidate should be well familiar with standard techniques such as cell culture, cell growth and cell death assays, PCR, Western, immunostaining and FACS. Previous experience with cancer drug discovery and/to some extent mouse in vivo models are strong merits.

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.
This is a temporary position starting with 6 months, but with possible prolongation and possibility to pursue a good career.

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

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-10-01 or according to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-4827/2018
Contact
  • Tina Dalianis, Professor, 08 517 727 64
Union representative
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08 517 768 84, andreas.lundqvist@ki.se
  • Mimmi Shoshan, SACO, 08 517 754 60
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08 517 762 79
Published 07.Sep.2018
Last application date 28.Sep.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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