Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences

The Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences is an interdisciplinary environment where 10 research areas work to contribute to better medicines and a healthier world.

With laboratories at the heart of Uppsala Biomedical Center and Sweden's only Faculty of Pharmacy, we are a vital engine in the development of education and research within the pharmaceutical sciences. More information about the department and its activities can be found at http://www.farmbio.uu.se (http://www.farmbio.uu.se).

The Position

The position is placed in senior professor Lars-Gunnar Larsson's research group and is funded by the Cancer Foundation. The research group focuses on studies of the function, regulation, and targeting of the oncogene MYC, which plays a very important role in tumor development. The group studies, among other things, MYC's transcriptional function, interactions with cofactors, regulation via ubiquitination, targeting of MYC via small molecules, and MYC's role in tumor development using animal models.

Job Responsibilities

The project concerns MYC's role in the suppression of immune surveillance of tumors. Immunocompetent mouse models for MYC-induced lung tumors, melanoma, and leukemia, along with other oncogenes, have been established. The task will be to determine whether MYC-induced immune suppression in these models can be counteracted by direct or indirect inhibition of MYC and/or factors that interact with MYC, such as cyclin-dependent kinases. Combinations of anti-MYC and various types of immunotherapies will also be investigated. This involves studies of the interaction between MYC-driven tumor cells and various immune cells, as well as interaction with the complement system, and how this affects the recruitment, activation, and persistence of immune cells. This will be done using spatial transcriptomics/proteomics, multiplex immunofluorescence imaging, RNA-FISH, isPLA, single-cell sequencing, and various interventions such as pharmaceutical treatment, Crispr/Cas9 technology, and immune depletion.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmaceutical, biomedical, or related field or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD in the specified areas. Primarily, candidates who have recently completed their PhD and are at the beginning of their research career (max 7 years after PhD at the application deadline according to the Cancer Foundation's eligibility requirements for junior researcher positions) should be considered. In special circumstances, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, etc.
• Good qualifications regarding work with tumor models in mice, including cancer treatment of mice via various administration routes, as well as experience in multiplex immunofluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and cell sorting.
• Documented proficiency in cell and molecular biology and immunology. Furthermore, you should have documented ability to write scientific articles and a track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• The applicant must have excellent collaborative skills and the ability to work in a team, but also be able to work independently and drive projects persistently. Furthermore, the applicant should be curious, creative, proactive, and relationship-building. The applicant must have excellent organizational skills, be able to work systematically on many concurrent projects, solve expected and unexpected complex problems, and be flexible. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Application

The application should include 1) a personal letter describing research interests, 2) CV including date of PhD, title of dissertation, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic awards, 3) a complete publication list, 4) a summary of current and previous work with an emphasis on animal models (max two pages), 5) three letters of recommendation.

The applicant will be assessed based on education and previous experience, relevance to the project, publications and track record, motivation, and collaborative ability.

Meritorious

• Knowledge and experience in the fields of MYC biology, the complement system, and cellular senescence.
• Experience with RNA-FISH and isPLA
• Experience writing ethical applications for animal research
• Experience in teaching and supervising students.

About the Employment

The employment is permanent. A probationary period may apply. The scope is 100%. Start date 2024-04-26 or by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Professor Lars-Gunnar Larsson, Lars-Gunnar.Larsson@uu.se (mailto:Lars-Gunnar.Larsson@uu.se). For questions regarding the employment: Administrative Manager Marina Rönngren, marina.ronngren@uu.se (mailto:marina.ronngren@uu.se)

Welcome with your application by April 14, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/928.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

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