Postdoctor in Cancer Research

Gothenburg University

Application deadline

May 12, 2023



Postdoctor in Cancer Research

Ref PAR 2023/510

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences is one of six Institutes within Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. We conduct research and education that puts people’s health and quality of life in focus. We represent 16 different research areas and are divided into four sections.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of surgery, is now searching for a postdoctoral fellow to work with preclinical and clinical research, mainly concerning melanoma. The research group is led by Professor Roger Olofsson Bagge, who conducts both clinical and translational research in breast cancer and malignant melanoma. The research group is based at the Institute of Clinical Sciences but also belongs to the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, which provides good opportunities for career development and network building. WCMTM consists of a large network of research group leaders and their team members within the University of Gothenburg and has a well-functioning national collaboration with the other Wallenberg centers for molecular medicine as well as with the Data Driven Life Science program at SciLifeLab. More information about ongoing research activities and key research groups within Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine can be found at www.wcmtm.gu.se

The project is part of a pair-linked post doc call, where two research leaders together employ one preclinical and one clinically oriented postdoctoral researcher. The project is financed by the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM) at the University of Gothenburg, where the candidate also will participate. The aim is to strengthen the links between experimental and clinical research, and the project will use extensive molecular and clinical data from patient studies with the overall goal to improve treatments for patients suffering from uveal melanoma.

Subject area 

Cancer Research 

Subject area description 

The overall goal of this project is to improve treatments for patients affected by uveal melanoma. Approximately 50% of all patients with uveal melanoma will develop metastatic disease and die, interestingly most of these patients will only develop liver metastases. One hypothesis is that extracellular vesicles (EVs) from uveal melanoma enable metastasis. We will characterize the cellular and molecular effects of EVs in the liver microenvironment, test interventions in experimental model systems with long-term goal of performing clinical trials. We will also develop blood-based biomarkers to enable individualized treatment. We are an international hub for new clinical trials for patients with ocular melanoma, and therefore have unique access to pre-existing blood and tumor biobanks.  

Duties 

The work includes planning and carrying out clinical studies, but also collecting information from already completed studies. Within the project, you will also plan, design and carry out research work aimed at studying microenvironments in tumors using cellular and molecular methods. Other methods include different types of DNA, RNA and protein analyses, as well as work with 3D models and clinical samples. A close collaboration will take place with our preclinical laboratory with advanced methods for the isolation and characterization of exosomes. The work will mainly be carried out at the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. 

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.   

Assessment criteria 

To qualify as postdoc the applicant should hold a PhD in clinical research, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology or equivalent is required. Experience in both clinical and preclinical research is advantageous. A medical degree (MD) is an advantage. Other qualifications are excellent oral and, more importantly, written English language skills, proven ability to write coherent scientific text. The work takes high demands on self-motivation, independence and accuracy. Of great importance is personal qualities such as commitment, initiative and cooperation skills.  

Employment 

The employment is limited (temporary) for 24 months, 100 % of full-time and is placed at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, Surgery. Starting date; As agreed 

Contact information 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Roger Olofsson Bagger; e-mail; roger.olofsson.bagge@gu.se 

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande  

Application 

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. The application shall include:

  • A short cover letter with description of your experience and what makes you qualified for this particular job
  • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
  • A publication list
  • Name and contact information of two references

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.  

Applications must be received by: 2023-05-12 

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

Last updated: 2023-04-25

Content Responsible: Hampus Persson(hampus.persson@scilifelab.uu.se)