Post-doctoral position in immuno-oncology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research group and the department The post-doc position is within the research group of Assoc. Prof. Kristina Lundberg, who has a strong network of national and international collaborators among both basic science and clinical researchers. Kristina Lundberg is furthermore associated with CREATE Health, a Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research (www.createhealth.lth.se) with a track record for rapid implementation of results from cancer research into clinical applications.

The research group is part of the Department of Immunotechnology with research spanning from advanced technology developments to biomedical research. Main research areas include oncology, hypersensitivity and antibody engineering. Advanced technologies are employed within the department including genomics and transcriptomics, large-scale mass spectrometry-based proteomics, affinity proteomics, phage display, and associated bioinformatics. In addition, we provide genomics and proteomics services, and our antibody development platform has been integrated into SciLifeLab’s Drug Discovery and Development Platform.

The department is also responsible for several student courses and we offer high quality education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The department of Immunotechnology has a strong history of entrepreneurship and several companies have derived from the department. Additionally, the department is part of the CanFaster PhD program, a four-year doctoral program co-funded by EU, within cancer research and entrepreneurship. The application of advanced technologies to solve complex biomedical challenges has taken the department to the forefront in several research areas.

Subject description Immuno-oncological treatment methods have revolutionized cancer therapy in recent years, based on the tremendous effects seen in some patients. The subject/research focus of this position is to develop next-generation cancer immuno-oncology therapies, mainly focused on targeting of T-cells and myeloid cells, in order to improve the efficacy and increase the response rate in cancer patients. Using flow cytometry for isolation of specific immune cells as well as analysis of RNAseq data will be central within the research projects. Depending on project progression, there will also be possibilities to perform research from target discovery, based e.g. on transcriptomic studies, to functional in vitro studies and beyond, using antibodies developed against identified targets.

Work duties The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

In addition to performing research within the subject area, work duties may include:

• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Applying for external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to tasks mentioned above as well as to other tasks in relation to the department.

Qualification requirements Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the area of immuno-oncology/immunology/tumor biology, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Ability to independently analyze cells using flow cytometry.
• Experience of sterile cell culture techniques and experiments with primary cells/cell lines.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Ability to summarize and present scientific data, both orally and in writing (in English).
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good communication skills. '
• Ability to independently plan and manage projects.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to this career development position primarily focused on research.  The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience of advanced multicolour flow cytometry and using the technique for isolation of cell population and/or single-cell sorting.
• Knowledge within the field of immuno-oncology/cancer immunotherapy.
• Experience of analysing quantitative omics data, using biostatistical methods, independently or in collaboration with bioinformaticians.
• Experience of analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data.
• Experience of using scripts in e.g. R or Python for analysis purposes.
• Knowledge within the field of T-cells, myeloid cells or possibly other immune cells of importance within the tumor microenvironment.
• Publication record of high standard.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

The position entail flexible hours within the annual working hours and may involve occasional travelling abroad.

Terms of employment This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply Applications shall be written in English and should include:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.