Research assistant for isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 15 Aug 2021

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher for a full-time position to commence 1 October 2021.

Do you want to be part of a skilled research group developing novel methods for effective diagnosis of cancer? Do you have experience with microscopy and single cell DNA/RNA analysis? Then you might be the right candidate for this position!

Information on the department can be found at: https://isim.ku.dk/

Our research

We focus on developing novel methods, which can be used to diagnose and monitor cancer disease using a simple blood sample. Our methods are based on a recombinant malaria protein (VAR2CSA), which binds to the vast majority of tumors (Salanti et al., Cancer Cell, 2015). Recently, we developed an assay for highly sensitive and efficient isolation of tumor cells from blood using VAR2CSA coupled to magnetic beads (Agerbæk et al., Nature Communications, 2018, and Bang-Christensen et al., Cells, 2019). Tumor cells found in blood are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and a subset of these is thought to cause metastatic spread of the primary tumor. We are dedicated to inventing and optimizing methods to diagnose cancer based on capturing CTCs from blood samples using VAR2CSA (Sand et al., IJMS, 2020). We work closely together with industry and the UCPH spinout company VarCT Diagnostics to ensure the success of our translational programs. As a part of our work, we are validating our methods by analysing clinical blood samples from several different cancer types, thereby bridging the established research data with clinical implementation. You will be part of a team focusing on single-cell characterization of CTC. In close collaboration with our clinical partners, you will study the DNA and RNA profile of CTC to explore its potential in guiding personalized treatment decisions and predicting therapeutic response.

Your job

We have strong proof of concept that VAR2CSA can isolate tumor cells from blood samples and have established workflows for single cell-based RNA and DNA analysis of the isolated tumor cells. Your job will be to take part in a team finalizing the testing of the single cell picking and analysis, with a primary focus onclinical blood samples. This includes cell purification using magnetic beads, immunocytochemistry, single-cell picking, and downstream RNA and DNA analysis. Furthermore, in vitro work on human cell cultures and flow cytometry is also expected.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

  • You have a Master degree in biological sciences or closely related disciplines
  • You are experienced in RNA or DNA analysis
  • You preferably have experience with cell cultures, handling of blood samples, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry
  • You have an active interest in translational science and bringing your research with clinical applicability
  • You have strong planning, organizing and executing skills and a structured approach to documentation and data management
  • You have great team spirit and cooperation skills
  • You have proficient communication skills

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our working environment is informal, and we have regular group meetings where we discuss data, strategy and plan the work. You will join a team of dedicated researchers and technicians and will have access to modern laboratories as well as imaging systems, flow cytometers and Illumina platforms. You will work in close collaboration with clinical partners and private industry while at the same time being part of an academic environment. We offer a position with great potential for personal development and acquisition of key competencies within clinical testing with the aim of making an impact on future cancer diagnostics.

Terms of employment
The employment as a research assistant is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years with a great potential for being turned into a longer term position. Starting date is 1 October 2021 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 23,770 DKK/ approx. 3,196.3 Euro (April 2021-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Questions
If you are interested in hearing more about your possibilities and the position, do not hesitate to contact Assistant Professor Mette Ørskov Agerbæk, [email protected]

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills, recommendation letters, and other skills relevant for the position.

3. A certified/signed copy of Master of Science certificate.

4. List of publications.

Application deadline: 15th August 2020

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 33

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.


Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.



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