Project Assistant in Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace
The Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity group is led by Professor Filipe Pereira and studies how hematopoietic cell fates are specified, maintained and eventually modified or reversed. Inspired by the fields of stem cell biology, immunology and cancer, we use an interdisciplinary approach to mechanistically understand hematopoietic and immune cell identities and translate our discoveries into new gene and cell therapies. Our group is now recruiting a full-time project assistant who will work on dendritic cell reprogramming in cancer organoid models. The group focuses on cell reprogramming, hematopoiesis and the development of cell and gene immunotherapeutic strategies.

We are a diverse group of molecular biologists, physicians, tumor immunologists and stem cell biologists – at all career stages. At the Pereira lab, we see science as an opportunity to have fun exploring the unknown, while making unique contributions to society. Our multidisciplinary approach draws inspiration from the fields of immunology, developmental biology, stem cells, cancer biology and bioinformatics, cross-fertilizing ideas and leading to new discoveries. This requires diversity and teamwork both within the lab and with our worldwide academic and industrial partners. We see collaboration and communication as the formula for great science and success, both as teams and as individuals. The Pereira lab provides an environment where creative and highly motivated minds can strive.

Read more about our research here.

What we offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. We also have a flexitime agreement that provides good conditions for work/life balance.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Work duties 
Certain transcription factors persist bound to chromatin, marking specific genomic sites, and transmitting epigenetic memory - a phenomenon known as "mitotic bookmarking." We showed that GATA2-mediated bookmarking plays a crucial role in definitive hematopoietic specification in vivo. This project aims to bridge mitotic bookmarking and human disease for the first time, investigating the relevance of GATA2 as a mitotic bookmarker in adult hematopoiesis and in leukemia development. The project includes the following: (1) investigating the effects of mitotic bookmarking by GATA2 during hematopoietic development in vivo, (2) understanding the molecular mechanisms of hematopoietic mitotic bookmarking, and (3) exploring the importance of mitotic bookmarking in the onset and development of leukemia. The Project Assistant will lead a multifaceted approach, including developing new mouse models, conducting flow cytometry, sequencing, cell culture (e.g., culture, lentiviral production), etc. Additionally, the successful applicant will handle general laboratory organization and administration duties.

Qualifications
Requirements for employment are:

• MSc in Molecular Biology or related field
• Significant experience in cell culture and a BSL-2 laboratory setting
• Experience in lentivirus production
• Experience handling primary cancer cells
• Experience in flow cytometry
• Ability to plan experiments, work independently in the lab, and keep an organized record
• Ability to communicate well with co-workers and to collaborate with other scientists
• Excellent written and spoken English

Great importance will be attached to the compatibility of the applicant’s professional and personal disposition. We aim to find a candidate who is highly motivated, ambitious, collaborative, independent and well structured. 

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Experience with cellular reprogramming approaches, immunity, or haematopoiesis
• Attention to detail and time management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Further information
The employment is a fulltime position, time limited to one year. Start date is August 1st, 2024, or according to agreement.

How to apply
You apply for the position via the University’s recruitment system. The application is to include a personal letter describing how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application is also to include a CV with a list of publications, a general description of previous research work, and a copy of the PhD diploma and other documents you wish to highlight.