Postdoctor in Immuno-oncology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The postdoctoral 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 focus on advanced technology development and biomedical research. Main research areas include immuno-oncology, biomarker research and hypersensitization. Advanced technologies are employed within the department including spatial omics, transcriptomics, large-scale mass spectrometry-based proteomics, multi-parameter flow cytometry, 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 doctoral and postdoctoral programme, a programme within cancer research and entrepreneurship that is co-funded by the EU. 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 research focus of the position is to explore immune cells in urological cancer and based on their role in the disease utilize them for clinical purposes. This can involve e.g. biomarker discovery to predict survival or treatment response as well as identification and exploration of novel targets to stimulate an effective immune response against cancer. The research will mainly be focused on T-cells and myeloid cells and based on both fresh and preserved patient samples. Methods and technologies that are to be employed include e.g. spatial omics, flow cytometry and functional in vitro assays. Depending on project progression there will be possibilities to perform research all the way frombiomarker/target discovery, to functional studies and beyond, using antibodies developed against identified targets.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position 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 postdoctoral 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:

• PhD in immuno-oncology/immunology or possibly tumor biology
• Documented knowledge in immunology, preferably focused on human T-cells and/or myeloid cells  
• Experience in primary cell work including e.g. tissue and/or cell handling, cell culturing, flow cytometry, spatial profiling (IHC/IF/GeoMx etc) and/or other cell related work
• Very good communication skills and very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Strong publication record

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:
• High level of competence related to the requirements stated above
• Knowledge within the field of immuno-oncology/cancer immunotherapy
• Experience of spatial profiling using e.g. the GeoMx technology
• Experience of setting up functional assays based on immunological cells
• Experience of flow cytometry
• Ability to summarize and present scientific data, both orally and in writing (in English).
• Experience in analysing quantitative omics data, using biostatistical methods, independently or in collaboration with bioinformaticians
• Experience in using R or Python for analysis purposes

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 research group and within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

The position entails 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 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 or 19 November 2021. (Applied to employments entered into after the entry into force 2022-02-01).

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.
• Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis before the call is completed, do not wait with your application