Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathology with a Focus on Cancer Research, Primarily Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathology with a Focus on Cancer Research, Primarily Metastatic Prostate Cancer

The Department of Medical Biosciences is seeking a motivated and scientifically driven postdoctoral researcher in pathology for translational studies related to aggressive prostate cancer. The appointment aims to further scientific qualifications after obtaining a doctoral degree and is limited to two (2) years with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The department is a successful research environment with a translational focus in pathology, clinical chemistry, and medical and clinical genetics. It is part of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University and has approximately 80 employees engaged in research, clinical work, and teaching. The department is located in the ‘Translational Research Centre, research building at Umeå University directly connected to Norrlands University Hospital (NUS).

Project Description 
For many years, successful research on prostate cancer has been ongoing at Umeå University. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be part of a research group investigating molecular biological explanations for the development of prostate cancer and exploring how these can be used as biomarkers and treatment targets for the disease. More information about the research group and its activities can be found here: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/biomarkers-for-aggressive-prostatecancer/. The specific postdoctoral project aims to elucidate interactions between genetic and epigenetic changes in the emergence of bone metastases in prostate cancer and, based on these findings, identify and evaluate new treatment possibilities. The research will involve handling and analyzing biobank samples, bioinformatics analysis of large-scale data matrices, and evaluating potential treatment strategies in experimental model systems for prostate cancer.

Job Responsibilities
The main task for the postdoctoral researcher is to engage in independent research activities. He/she will also participate in other parts of the research group’s overall activities, which may involve supervising doctoral students and students, participating in seminars and journal clubs, writing scientific articles and presenting new findings at international meetings.

The employment includes conducting independent research for at least 80% of the working time, following the project description provided above. Teaching and supervision at the undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as potentially at the doctoral level, may be included for up to 20% of the working time.

Qualifications 
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in medical bioscience is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made. The applicant should also have a background in biomedical experimental science with experience in bioinformatic analysis methods.

The appointment also assumes proficiency in English, both spoken and written. Additionally, the ability to work independently as well as in a group is essential. Applicants must have conducted their own research using highly sensitive immunohistochemical methods for detecting biomarkers in complex samples.

Merits 
Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher serves as a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the final application date. However, if there are special reasons, applicants who have completed their degree earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, trust assignments within trade union organizations, or other similar circumstances, as well as relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.

Documented experience in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and cell biology laboratory techniques, as well as from experimental model systems for prostate cancer (e.g. organoids, xenografts) is considered advantageous. Knowledge of prostate cancer and metastasis biology is also a merit. 

Additional Information about the Position
The employment is a full-time fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of extension according to the terms of the postdoctoral employment agreement. For more information about the Department of Medical Biosciences, please visit our website: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-medical-biosciences/

Application 
Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A brief description of research interests and motivation for your interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• List of publications.
• Degree certificates from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees.

During the employment process, references may be requested.

The application should be written in either Swedish or English. Please submit your application via our e-recruitment system, Varbi, no later than June 9, 2024.

For further inquiries, please contact professor Pernilla Wikström, email: pernilla.wikstrom@umu.se, phone: 090-785 29 50.

Welcome with your application!