Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunotechnology with a focus on immuno-oncology and the design of novel treatment strategies

Description of the workplace

The Department of Immunotechnology conducts research ranging from advanced technology development to biomedical studies. The main research areas include immuno-oncology, sensitization, and biomarkers. The modern facilities are located at Medicon Village, where academic research is carried out side by side with private companies and actors from the healthcare sector. A number of important infrastructures are available, including specialized laboratories for spatial omics, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and antibody production, as well as NBIS (National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden). The department hosts a unit within Display and Selection Technologies, which is part of the national research platform SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development. The department is also responsible for several student courses and offers high-quality education at both undergraduate and advanced levels. Approximately 35 people work within the department.

You will be part of a research group in immuno-oncology that focuses on immune cells and their regulation within the tumor microenvironment, the development of new immunotherapeutic treatments and of human models for preclinical drug evaluation and mechanistic studies.

Subject

Immunotechnology with a focus on the regulation of immune cells in tumors as well as the design and evaluation of novel treatment strategies for cancer.

 Subject description

The research focus of this position is within the field of immuno-oncology, specifically investigating immune-regulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment as well as designing and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies based on antibodies. The research group conducts experimental and translational studies in close collaboration with specialists at Skåne University Hospital. Our work involves advanced technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial omics, and spectral flow cytometry for detailed characterization of immune cells in solid tumors. The research is based on clinical samples such as bladder tumors and in addition to detailed analyses, the material is used to develop advanced model systems that are applied within the projects.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in tumor immunology and experience in advanced analyses as described above, along with functional studies using in vitro/ex vivo systems based on human cells and tissues. The overall aim is to understand how immune cells interact and are regulated in cancer, with the goal of designing new therapeutic antibodies to activate immune cells in tumors.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The postdoctoral position includes a combination of experimental work, data analysis, as well as interpretation and presentation of research results. The main part of the work for the advertised position involves exploring immune-regulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment and how they can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes. This includes performing advanced bioinformatic analyses (such as single-cell RNA-seq and spatial omics data), design of therapeutic strategies based on antibodies and evaluating these using e.g. explant cultures based on patient-derived material. The scope of tasks may broaden depending on the development of the project.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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 subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A completed doctoral degree in a relevant subject area, such as tumor biology, immunology, or a related field.
• Strong ability to initiate, develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Documented research experience in immuno-oncology
• Documented experience of advanced bioinformatic analyses of data from single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial omics.
• Good communication skills.
• Good collaborative skills, initiative and the ability to solve work tasks independently.

Assessment criteria

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 following shall form the assessment criteria:

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

Other qualifications:

• Practical experience in isolating immune cells and in cell culture.
• Practical experience in programming with R.
• Practical experience in analytical methods including multiplex flow cytometry, as well as associated data analysis.
• Practical experience from working with functional assays including explant model(s) based on human tissue, preferably tumor tissue.
• Knowledge in immuno-oncology, with a particular focus on T cells and myeloid cells.
• Experience of designing antibody-based strategies for cancer treatment, and evaluation of such strategies in cellular systems.
• Understanding of the processes involved in translating research findings into innovation and practical applications.
• Knowledge of bladder cancer.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
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Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (2026-01-01 – 2027-12-31). 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!