Postdoctor in Kidney Cancer Reaearch - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Research Group

The Division of Translational Cancer Research (TCR) was founded 2013 in conjunction with the formation of Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC) at Medicon Village. TCR consists of ten research groups with different areas of expertise, but together working on projects with the common goal of improving cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy. Our multidisciplinary experimental settings include human genetics, mouse genetics, human tissue platform, stem cell biology and advanced imaging, aiming at creating novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic modalities. The overarching goal at TCR is to open up new horizons that will give the opportunities for novel diagnostic and treatment modalities for cancer treatment. The kidney cancer group at TCR has for a long time been focusing on studies of renal malignancies, with particular focus on kidney cancer genetics in relation to the normal function of the many different cell types in the kidney. Key biological processes in the transformation process are studied using a variety of model systems and techniques with the aim to identify targetable biomarkers for the disease. Please read more about our research here. 

Within the group, we aim to maintain a good working environment based on mutual respect and consideration. We constantly strive to improve the conditions for work, development and participation for all employees.

The employment is a full time position, time limited to two years, regulated by central agreements regarding post-doctoral employments, with the desired access date on November 1st, 2021, or according to agreement. 

Work assignments and area of expertise

In this postdoctoral project the main aim is to explore a variety of model systems of normal kidney epithelial cells to study the influence of key genetic aberrations associated with kidney cancer. The task includes experimental studies on tissue culture systems, aiming to explore kidney-specific response to a plethora of perturbations of key signaling pathways. The cell culture system will be subjected to transcriptomic analyses using RNA sequencing. Furthermore, by identifying key biomarkers of renal transformation extensive analyses of primary tumor tissues using conventional immune histochemistry (IHC) and multispectral imaging will be performed by the applicant.

The work will be highly team-oriented, both through internal and external collaborations, which necessitates excellent collaboration and communication skills to successfully fill this position. External collaborations may for example involve local researchers from Lund University.

The main work duties are:

• Exploration of model systems for normal and malignant kidney cells
• Application both DNA- and RNA-based methods (WES, RNA-seq etc.) for characterization of the model system
• Providing expertise in imaging techniques, including IHC and multi-spectral imaging of primary kidney cancer tissues for analyses of biomarkers
• Various types of analyses of patient cohorts with respect to disease progression etc in relation to given biomarkers
• Managing and developing databases of TMA based imaging of primary kidney tissues

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a 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 ability to develop and conduct high quality research and also teaching skills will be evaluated as part of the assessment criteria.

Qualifications

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree equivalent to a PhD, within a subject related to the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Qualifications required:

This post requires an extensive knowledge and strong interest in immunology, hematopoiesis and cancer biology and a PhD degree.

• Doctoral degree in a relevant research field (e.g. kidney biology or equivalent)
• Very good knowledge about, and documented practical experience of work with model systems of kidney development and function
• At least 4 years of practical experience of working with cell biology in general and kidney biology in particular
• A good ability to master complex model systems in relation to normal function of the kidney
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. You must have excellent communication and collaboration skills as well as be able to conduct your work independently and with high quality. You must also demonstrate good planning, structural and prioritization skills.

The following are merits for the position:

• Experience in NGS-based sequencing
• Experience in variety of imaging techniues, including IHC and immunofluorescence
• Experience of laboratory work, based on model systems of normal and malignant tissues
• Previous project management experience

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 for your application

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

Other

The university applies individual salary setting. Please indicate your salary claim in your application.