Doktorand (PhD student) in Molecular Pediatric Oncology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research group

Within the Molecular Pediatric Oncology research lab, led by Associate Professor Daniel Bexell, we work to understand and target childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a solid childhood tumor derived from the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for 15% of pediatric cancer deaths and is characterized by its heterogeneity, ranging from benign forms to aggressive types with distant metastatic spread. Patients with aggressive neuroblastoma have a very poor prognosis, even with surgery and treatment with high-dose chemotherapy.

We have established neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models by implanting neuroblastoma tissue into mice. These PDXs retain the histology and genetic aberrations of their original patient tumor and they have the ability to metastasize to distant organs. We have also established human neuroblastoma 3D organoids from the PDX tumors.

With these PDX models and organoids, we have the opportunity to investigate mechanisms of treatment resistance and relapse and to test novel drugs that could improve the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Please, read more about our fascinating research here.

Within the research group, we safeguard a workplace that is seen as developing and stimulating for all employees. The scientific environment provides a state-of-the-art facility with extensive expertise in translational cancer research. It is a very positive environment that provides excellent opportunities.

We are hereby looking for a highly talented and highly ambitious doctoral student to work on the project "Deciphering and targeting metastatic neuroblastoma treatment resistance". The employment is limited to 4 years full time with the desired entry date of January 18, 2021 or by arrangement.

Work duties and areas of responsibility

As a doctoral student you will take part in the laboratory work and develop methods connected to the project, take part in the doctoral courses provided by the department and the faculty and write articles and publications together with the supervisor. You will take part in everyday laboratory planning and meetings as well as participate in journal clubs and workshops, seminars and conferences. Some teaching and some administrative duties may occur. Work with experimental animals is included.

Qualifications

The following is required for the employment:

• MSc in Biomedical Engineering or Biomedicine or equivalent
• Knowledge and documented experience within the field of laboratory medicine in general and in cancer in particular
• Documented experience of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, in vitro tumor organoid culturing, in vitro drug testing, cell viability assays, cell death assays and immunofluorescence
• Fluency in English
• Very good writing skills and reading comprehension

Great emphasis will be placed on personal characteristics. The assignments require that you have the ability to work independently as well as the ability to work well with others in the research group. In addition, the tasks require the ability to prioritize their tasks and have several collaborations going at the same time.

The following is meritorious for the employment:

• Knowledge of neuroblastoma

Eligibility

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

Instructions for the application

The application must contain a personal letter describing how you fulfill the required qualifications, a CV and a diploma.