Postdoctoral researcher in leukemia niche

Do you want to contribute to better treatment of leukemia?

The selected candidate will be working and trained in Hong Qian’ group at the Center for hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), the Department of Medicine Huddinge, Flemingsberg Campus.

Description of the group

The vision of http://ki.se/en/medh/hong-qian-group is to unravel the role of hematopoietic niche in myeloid leukemia. The ultimate goal is to identify new niche- based therapeutic targets for better treatment outcome of diseases. The group so far has been mainly focusing on the mesenchymal niche in myeloid leukemia in patients   and mouse models. The group has already identified a set of dysregulated niche factors including CXCL14 and Lama4 in CML and AML. Among them, we have demonstrated the critical role of Lama4 in AML progression and relapse (Cai, et al., Blood, 2022) and suppressive role of CXCL14 in CML (Dolinska et al., Blood, 2023).

Within this group you will have a unique opportunity to work closely together with cutting edge researchers and to contribute to high quality research on leukemic stem cell interactions with their niches. The main technologies used include multi-color flow cytometry, confocal imaging, lineage tracing, in vivo and in vitro stem cell assays including coculture and transplantation, as well as advanced molecular  tools, such as RNA sequencing, digital PCR and single cell PCR.

Your mission

The successful candidate will conduct the projects with a special focus on the impact of already identified dysregulated niche factors in therapy response of acute myeloid leukemia under the supervision of the group leader (Dr. Hong Qian). In addition, the candidate is also expected to participate in collaborated projects and supervision of junior students in the group during her/his postdoc training.

The selected candidate will be working a collaborative environment at HERM and will be given the opportunity to participate in national and international scientific meetings, to apply grants and supervise junior researchers.

Your profile

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

We are looking for a highly self-motivated person with a strong background in cellular and molecular biology with a keen interest in leukemia microenvironment. Experience in working with tumor microenvironment, molecular and cellular biology techniques, multi-color flow cytometry, confocal imaging and mouse modeling is highly desired; and good ability to communicate in English (written and verbal) is required. The successful candidate will conduct the research with a special focus on deciphering molecular pathways mediating leukemic stem cell interaction with their niche under the supervision of the group leader (Dr. Hong Qian). In addition, the candidate is expected to participate in several collaborated projects and supervising junior students throughout her/his postdoc training.

It is considered as a merit if the applicant has experience in flow cytometry, imaging, laboratory animal work (as documented by FELASA C or equivalent) with at least three years hands on experience working with mice or bioinformatics analysis tools.

Position duration

Applicants are invited to submit applications for a 2-year postdoc position with possible extension after a careful evaluation.

Duties and requirement

• Organize, plan, carry out the project and analyze data and writing report and manuscripts.
• Document research data according to Karolinska Institute’s requirements.
• Collaborate with other lab members on experimental work conducted in the laboratory.

Entry requirements

• To be eligible for the position as a postdoc, the applicant must hold a doctoral degree or a qualification deemed equivalent to a doctorate prior to be this employment.
• Proven experience in conducting and publishing high-quality studies in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English

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. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical 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. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Flemingsberg

The Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH)

Application

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

• A complete resumé, 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)

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-05-03.

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

1. Hong Qian, hong.qian@ki.se

1. Belinda Pannagel, SACO, Belinda.pannagel@ki.se
2. Sidinh Luc, SACO, sidinh.luc@ki.se
3. Mari Gilljam, OFR, mari.gilljam@ki.se