Karolinska Institutet, the Department of Medicine, Huddinge

Dept. of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
We are looking for highly motivated and talented postdoctoral candidate to take the lead on exciting research projects in the lab of Professor Sten Eirik Jacobsen (https://ki.se/en/medh/sten-eirik-w-jacobsen-lab-hematopoietic-stem-cell-biology-group) and Assistant Professor Petter S. Woll (https://ki.se/en/medh/petter-woll-group). The position and corresponding research project are focused on immune-targeting of leukemic stem cells using genetically-modified T cell receptors recognizing antigens expressed on leukemic stem cells. The project is funded by existing grants, including from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

About the research project
The Jacobsen and Woll labs comprises an international collaborative team focused on understanding at the single cell level the cellular and molecular pathways governing the earliest fate decisions in normal hematopoiesis [1-4] and how these are dysregulated in hematologic malignancies [5-9]. Our recent identification of distinct leukemic stem cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and the demonstration that these selectively escape therapy resulting in relapse, highlight the need for development of targeted strategies that allow the elimination rare leukemic stem cells. In collaboration with Professor Johanna Olweus at the University of Oslo (https://www.ous-research.no/olweus/) who has developed novel strategies to exploit the specificity and potency of CD8 T cells expressing antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) for cancer therapy [10, 11], we have identified candidate antigens expressed in leukemic stem cells that we now will seek to target experimentally.

This project will be pursued in part at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM; http://ki.se/en/medh/herm), and in part at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB; http://ki.se/en/cmb/startpage). The Jacobsen and Woll labs also have close interactions with other world leading research groups, and the recruited postdoctoral candidate will benefit from interactions in this highly collaborative network.

Responsibilities
The postholder will take the lead, together with the group leaders and collaborators, to actively pursue novel studies on cellular and molecular mechanism that allows efficient immune-targeting of leukemic stem cells. This is studied in mouse models, as well as in relevant patients. Key technologies applied towards these studies include flow cytometry, mouse genetics, in vitro and in vivo analysis of stem cell and immune cell activity, and high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing including single cell analysis. The postholder must enjoy team work and interact well with others, including other members of lab, as well as collaborating scientists and clinicians. Good communication skills will also be required for data presentations and to represent the group at local or external conferences.

Essential requirements

  • PhD degree, or PhD students scheduled to defend within three months after the application deadline, in which the latter require case verification from the Dissertation Committee (or equivalent body)
  • Strong track record as evidenced by one or more high impact publications in relevant research fields
  • Training in international leading laboratories
  • 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 flow cytometry
  • Experience with mouse work
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis including RNA and DNA seq, ChIPseq, HiC, and similar assays as well as bioinformatics analysis and computational modeling based on such data
  • Experience with molecular analysis of small cell numbers, including single cell analysis

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

  1. A maximum one page cover letter summarizing motivation for the position, previous experience and research interest
  2. A complete curriculum vitae of current work and work history
  3. A complete list of publications
  4. Names and contact details of three references who are familiar with the applicant’s recent research and training

 References

  1. Nature, 2018. 554(7690): p. 106-111.
  2. Nature, 2013. 502(7470): p. 232-6.
  3. Nat Immunol, 2016. 17(12): p. 1424-1435.
  4. Cell Stem Cell, 2013. 13(5): p. 535-48.
  5. Cancer Cell, 2018. 33(2): p. 274-291 e8.
  6. Nat Med, 2017. 23(6): p.692-702.
  7. Cancer Cell, 2014. 25(6): p. 794-808.
  8. N Engl J Med, 2012. 366(10): p. 967-9.
  9. N Engl J Med, 2010. 363(11): p. 1025-37.
  10. Nat Protoc, 2019. 14(6): p. 1926-1943.
  11. Science, 2016. 352(6291): p. 1337-41.

Location: Flemingsberg

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

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

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 Huddinge
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-5384/2019
Contact
  • Petter Woll, Petter.woll@ki.se
Union representative
  • Carina Eklund, OFR, Carina.eklund@ki.se
  • Belinda Pannagel, SACO, Belinda.pannagel@ki.se
Published 30.Oct.2019
Last application date 28.Nov.2019 11:59 PM CET

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