A postdoctoral position in pancreatic cancer research with focus on neuronal interactions - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are currently looking for a postdoc in pancreatic cancer research for a period of two years starting in May 2019 or as agreed.

This announced position is financed by the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Umeå University. WCMM in Umeå is part of a national plan for Sweden to regain its leading position in medical research (wcmm.umu.se). Behind the centre stands the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation together with, among others, Umeå University, Västerbotten County Council, the Kempe Foundation, the Sjöberg Foundation, and the Cancer Research Foundation in Northern Sweden. Local and national networks within WCMM will be developed, where the postdocs are given good opportunities to interact with researchers in their own and other research groups.

Project description:

Pancreatic cancer has a very high mortality rate and currently no effective treatment options are available. A unique feature of the disease is the pronounced fibrotic stroma that surrounds tumour cells. This tumour stroma consists of an extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, and nerves which together provide the cancer cells with important signals that regulate tumour growth. This makes the stroma an interesting target from a treatment perspective, but the lack of knowledge in the complexity of the stroma has hampered the development of drugs targeting stromal interactions.

In this project the impacts of nerves on the development of pancreatic cancer will be studied in detail. The pathophysiological role of nerves for the progression of the disease will be studied in animal models, human tissues, and organoid based co-culture systems. Inhibitors of neuronal interactions that promote cancer growth and impact therapy resistance will then be developed and tested. The overall aim is to identify and explore critical interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and nerves, and to develop new therapeutic strategies that target the disease by selectively blocking these interactions.

Qualification requirements and other desirable requirements:

Candidates must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University PhD at the time of recruitment. In normal case the doctorate exam should have been acquired within three years prior the last day for application to this position, unless special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice or appointments of trust in trade union organizations.

We are looking for a highly talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive research, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. A strong background in molecular biology and tumour biology is highly desirable. Previous research experience on the nerve system, organoid based model systems and animal model systems are highly desirable. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are required.

Application

The application shall include the following documents:

• A short description of your research interests (max one A4 page) and why you are interested in the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including list of technical expertise and list of publications.
• Copies of diplomas and link to PhD thesis.
• Contact information for two reference persons.

Your application must be registered in Umeå University e-recruitment system Varbi no later than March 30 2019.

Additional information about the position:

For further information, please contact assistant professor Daniel Öhlund, Department of Radiation Sciences/WCMM, at daniel.ohlund@umu.se

We are looking forward to receive your application!