Staffscientist position in Bioinformatics and AI models in Cancer Research

The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a position as Staff Scientist in Bioinformatics and AI models in Cancer Research. The position is expected to start in 1 august or according to agreement. The position is full-time for 12 months and the application deadline is 8 May, 2025.

Description of the project 

The objective of the project is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis with focus on the role of mitophagy in cancer cell invasion and microenvironment modulation.      We will elucidate the un-explored mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis. We will identify tumor-intrinsic and tumor environmental factors, and their complex roles by using in vitro and in vivo models to recapitulate multiple steps of cancer metastatic events in real-time. Clinical samples from primary tumors and their metastatic descendants of the major cancer types including cancers of prostate, breast, pancreas and colon will be used.  Genomic, epigenomic and proteomic data at single cell levels will be obtained by using advanced single cell sequencing and multiplex analysis. We will assist the computer scientists to apply artificial intelligence Machine Deep Learning models using the omics data of mitophagy to predict risk of cancer and metastasis and design precision treatment.  Background: the final step of cancer metastasis is when the metastatic lesions take over the normal tissue in distant organs, resulting in organ failures. The initiation of metastatic growth in distant organs require actions of tumor-specific factors and tumor-associated micro-environment. Our study will enable us to gain deeper understanding of the role of mitophagy in cancer progression and utilize the new mechanism for targeted treatment of lethal diseases.

Work responsibilities 

Work tasks of the candidate: 1. To perform multiplex gene expression analysis by using clinical samples and individual cancer cells and immune cells. Investigate and compare large numbers of candidate genes related to mitochondria and autophagy pathways in individual cells between the primary tumors and metastatic lesions. 2. Establish cell line-models, organoid and animal models for testing targeted drug validation and characterization for metastatic cancer. 3. Utilize genetic engineered mouse models that recapitulate growth of primary tumors and formation of distant metastasis. Perform bioinformatics to investigate the prognostic values of tumor-specific signatures in primary tumors and metastatic lesions in predictive of distant metastasis. 4. Apply and optimize AI-ML models based on the large datasets to identify and validate the oncogenic pathways and drug targets for designing targeted therapy. The findings will translate our knowledge to the use of AI technologies to effectively treat cancer patients with metastatic diseases. This study will also provide new information for the roles of key players of the metastatic cascades for designing and developing novel multi-module targeted therapies for preventing and treatment of metastatic diseases.

Qualifications

We seek highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in tumor biology, bioscience, biomedicine, molecular biology and computer sciences with major in bioinformatics, or has been trained as postdoctoral researcher in the related discipline, with documented experience in cancer research. You should have hands-on experience with biochemistry, cancer drug development, animal models and cell sorting and RNA sequencing. The candidate should have strong drive in research and teaching. Candidates must have documented theoretical and practical experience in broad areas including tumor biology, patho-biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, animal models and fluorescence microscopy. You should have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship, or publications presenting ground-breaking new research findings within cancer research field.  The ideal candidate should have academic ambitions and independent research skills and critical thinking, leadership quality and teaching experiences.

Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. Good initiative ability and experience in applying for research funding is a requirement.  

Merit is given if the candidate has conducted postdoctoral studies at a university other than where the doctoral studies were carried out.

As an employee with us, you contribute to fostering an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This involves communicating effectively across differences, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and the ability to work well with others. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, showing respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for both yourself and others.

Application 

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 8 May, 2025.  

The application must include: 

1.  A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than 2 A4 pages). 

2.  A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments. 

3.  A list with your publications. 

4.  A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates. 

5.  Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references. 

6.  Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application. 

More about us

More information about the department can be found on our website Department of Molecular Biology

For information about the position, please contact Jenny Persson, jenny.persson@umu.se 

We welcome your application!