Vacant job

Job Responsibilities

We offer an exciting PhD project aimed at understanding the plasticity of primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma in adults and diffuse midline glioma in children.

During the growth of a brain tumor, tumor cells exhibit significant variation in both their differentiation and maturity. Within the same tumor, cells can vary from stem cell-like to more differentiated states, resembling various neuroglial cell populations, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Additionally, tumor cells can activate reactive programs reminiscent of those that occur after brain injury.

Our research group is working to understand how this variation among tumor cells arises and how it can be exploited to improve treatment strategies. For example, is it possible to force tumor cells to differentiate? Can the invasion of tumor cells be blocked through reprogramming? Can tumor cells be made more sensitive to specific drugs through targeted reprogramming?

In this project, you will work with an innovative CRISPR-based tool, CRISPR-tags, developed in our research group. Using fluorescent markers for different differentiation states, we can identify both drugs and key genes that regulate tumor cell differentiation on a large scale. The study includes cells from both adult patients and children.

Key methods in the project include genetic and pharmacological screenings (in collaboration with Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden) as well as handling advanced experimental models, including organoids and grafting systems in mice.

You will work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, with close collaboration between researchers and supervisors. The main supervisor is Professor Sven Nelander, and the co-supervisor is Associate Professor Fredrik Swartling. Additionally, you will be part of the recently established interdisciplinary center CNSx3, (cnsx3.se), which brings together leading research groups from Uppsala, Linköping, and Gothenburg universities, as well as Chalmers University of Technology. This provides you with the opportunity to contribute to and grow in an expansive and groundbreaking research environment.

As a PhD student, you will combine research with courses, teaching, and participation in various academic activities. The position offers an excellent foundation for a future career in advanced cancer research and therapy development.

Visit our website to learn more, here (https://www.uu.se/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi/forskning/neuroonkologi-och-neurodegeneration/sven-nelander).

Qualifications

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has:

• completed a master's degree in molecular medicine or a related field.
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits,
• or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge.

For the position, the following is also required:

• Education and in-depth knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, and tumor biology.
• Education and in-depth knowledge in experimental molecular biological methodologies required to work with patient-specific tumor cells, e.g., CRISPR, advanced microscopy (e.g., automated confocal microscopy).
• Knowledge of scientific methodology and statistical data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English, including the ability to contextualize their work and identify key issues and concepts.
• Personal suitability and documented ability to work well in a team.

Information about doctoral education, eligibility requirements, and admission regulations can be found here (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/vetenskapsomrade/medicin-och-farmaci/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva). Selection of applicants is made by the supervisor in consultation with the department's graduate education group. The Graduate Education Committee within the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy admits the doctoral student. Salary placement is according to local guidelines at Uppsala University.

For employment, it is required that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education. The doctoral student should primarily devote themselves to their own doctoral education. Other duties at the department, such as teaching and administrative work, may be included within the framework of the doctoral position (max 20%). Doctoral education normally comprises 4 years of full-time study, a maximum of 5 years if departmental duties are included.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and here (https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3).

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge and experience in neuro-oncological science.
• Experience working with patient-derived cells from brain tumors.
• Experience with CRISPR applications, such as targeted insertion of gene cassettes.
• Knowledge in data processing in scripting languages such as R or equivalent.
• Experience with image analysis software.
• Knowledge in mathematics that provides a good foundation for collaboration with computational biologists (e.g., statistical testing, linear models, probability theory).

About the position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Inquiries about the position can be made to: Sven Nelander, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University's website: here (https://uu.se/jobb/).

Welcome with your application by February 4, 2025, UFV-PA 2024/4082.

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 position may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.