Postdoctoral studies in colon cancer metabolism and its interface with the gut microbiome (scholarship)

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The prospective postdoc will join Dr. Amir Ata Saei’s group. Join our multidisciplinary team in an exciting project on understanding how the gut microbiome and its metabolites promote colon cancer. Our team has a solid background in proteomics, bioinformatics and biochemistry. You will combine versatile methods including mass spectrometry-based proteomics, cell-based techniques, molecular biology and biochemistry to identify the targets and mechanism of metabolites that modulate cancer growth. We aim to validate the most essential targets in vitro and in vivo, to rationalize the development of novel drugs through high-throughput screening. If you would enjoy making original fundamental discoveries in cancer research, this position is for you.

The Saei lab employs novel methods in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, biochemistry and systems biology to study cancer metabolism. We are mainly focused on colon cancer at the intersection of cancer cell metabolism, dietary nutrients and the microbiome. The ultimate aim is to develop novel drugs and therapeutic modalities against colon cancer and other metabolic disorders. For more information, visit https://ki.se/en/people/amirata-saei-dibavar or contact Dr. Saei, e-mail: [email protected].

Our lab is a part of the Center for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR) located at the department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet Campus Solna (https://ki.se/en/mtc/centre-for-translational-microbiome-research-ctmr ). CTMR aims to better understand the contribution of the human microbiome to physiology and pathophysiology with the goal to open opportunities for development of novel therapies in the area of gastroenterology, reproductive health, neonatology and cancer. CTMR hosts around 50 scientists and the Saei Lab works closely with the research groups in this center. The lab is located on the 8th floor of the modern Biomedicum building that hosts six departments focused on biomedical research. 

The applicant will work on the tumorigenicity of certain metabolites in cancer, from in vitro to in vivo models. The main duties include performing cell biology and omics experiments, as well as designing creative biochemistry and molecular biology experiments to follow up on the generated hits, and potentially performing experiments in a mouse model. The applicant is expected to set up novel experimental approaches within the research group. The project will also involve the recombinant expression of the target proteins and various binding assays to validate metabolite binding. The applicant will be supported in data analysis but is expected to have experience or interest in data analysis and visualization. The applicant is expected to actively participate in other lab projects, collaborate, write papers and grants, and present results to general and specialized audiences.

The working language is English.

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements, the applicant must:

• You are an enthusiastic and motivated applicant with a strong background in cancer biology, molecular biology and/or biochemistry and preferably have some experience in microbiology.
• The successful applicant should have a strong publication record, and a very good knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
• The candidate should be able to work independently and interactively with our team and collaborators.
• The applicant should have experience in basic bioinformatics.
• Specific experience in cancer metabolism and previous work with model systems to study metabolism are meritorious.

Additional skills that are especially meritorious for the position:

• Experience in proteomics, advanced bioinformatics and programming is a plus, but not a requirement.

Location: Solna

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work.
• A complete list of publications.
• A summary of current work (no more than one page).

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.