Postdoctoral studies in uncovering novel therapeutic targets and differentiation strategies in MYC-driven tumors (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?  The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at

Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about

40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations. Division Marie

Arsenian Henriksson's group investigates how MYC family oncoproteins influence cancer development, cellular differentiation and

metabolism, with a particular focus on childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. We aim to understand how

oncogenic programs interact with normal developmental processes to shape tumor cell identity and create vulnerabilities that can

be exploited for therapeutic intervention. To address these questions, we combine cancer and developmental biology with metabolic

studies, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based disease models, differentiation strategies, and drug screening. This

integrated approach allows us to study tumor development in a human developmental context, identify molecular and metabolic

dependencies, and explore new therapeutic strategies. We are a multicultural, dynamic and collaborative group with an extensive

network of national and international collaborators, providing a stimulating environment for interdisciplinary research and

scientific exchange. Duties A highly motivated, skilled and creative researcher is invited to join our team to investigate the

interplay between MYC-driven oncogenic programs, cellular differentiation and metabolism in childhood cancer. The postdoctoral

researcher will contribute to research aimed at understanding how MYC/MYCN shapes tumor cell identity and metabolic dependencies,

using neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma as disease models. Projects may include the identification and validation of novel

metabolic vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets, the development of differentiation-based strategies for aggressive

neuroblastoma, and the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based models to investigate mechanisms of tumor

development and therapeutic response. The research may also involve drug and compound screening to identify novel therapeutic

strategies. The successful candidate will have a leading role in experimental design, execution and troubleshooting, data analysis

and interpretation, and presentation and publication of results. We are looking for a researcher who is able to develop and pursue

their own scientific ideas while working collaboratively within the group and with national and international collaborators.

Experience in grant writing and supervision or mentoring of Bachelor’s and Master’s students is highly desirable. Entry

requirements Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign

researcher is a person living in another country who comes 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. 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. In addition to aforementioned requirements for the position: - We

are looking for an enthusiastic and driven researcher with a strong interest in cancer biology and a motivation to explore new

directions in cancer therapeutics. - The candidate should have a high degree of scientific independence, while working

collaboratively and contributing to a positive and supportive research environment. - The applicant should hold a Ph.D. in

Biomedical Science or a related field and have a solid background in cancer biology. - Experience in tumor metabolism, cancer cell

signalling and/or target identification is particularly relevant. - The candidate should be familiar with a broad range of

molecular and cellular biology techniques, including: - Advanced mammalian cell culture, drug testing and immunofluorescence - 3D

cell culture and tumor spheroid models - Molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning and Western blotting - Lentiviral

transduction and genetic manipulation - Protein-protein interaction assays, including proximity ligation assays - Imaging

techniques and quantitative image analysis - Lipidomics, proteomics and RNA sequencing sample preparation - Basic analysis and

interpretation of omics data - Experimental validation of candidate compounds and drug-response assays - In vivo studies in mice,

tumor monitoring and tissue collection - Immunohistochemistry and analysis of tumor samples - Fluency in English is a requirement.

Meritorious for the position: - Experience in MYC biology, neuroblastoma or medulloblastoma is an advantage. 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: Solna 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. Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!