Research assistant in leukemia microenvironment

Do you want to contribute to better treatment of leukemia?

The selected candidate will be working and trained in Hong Qian’ group  at the Center for hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) ,  the Department of Medicine Huddinge, Flemingsberg Campus.

The vision of Hong Qian’ group  is to unravel the role of hematopoietic niche including mesenchymal stem cells in myeloid leukemia. The ultimate goal is to identify new niche- based therapeutic targets for better treatment outcome of the diseases. The group so far has been mainly focusing on the mesenchymal niche in myeloid leukemia in patients and mouse models. The group has identified a set of molecules that are dysregulated in leukemia niche. Among them, we have shown that laminin a4 chain (Lama4), a receptor-binding chain of extracellular matrix protein laminin isoforms, inhibits AML progression and relapse (Cai, et al., Blood, 2022) and CXCL14, a chemokine, suppress the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia-initiating stem cells in vitro and in vivo (Dolinska, Cai, Månsson et al., Blood 2023).

Within this group you will have a unique opportunity to work closely together with cutting edge researchers and to contribute to high quality research on leukemic stem cell interactions with their niches. The main technologies used include multi-color flow cytometry, confocal imaging, lineage tracing, in vivo and in vitro stem cell assays including coculture and transplantation, as well as advanced molecular tools including RNA sequencing, digital PCR and single cell PCR.

Position duration

Applicants are invited to submit applications for a 6-month research assistant position with a possible extension of additional 6 months. 

The main duties of the research assistant are to assist the group in the projects on functional evaluation of various niche factors in the survival of leukemic stem cells by performing cell co-culture, flow cytometry, PCR-based genotyping and gene sequencing and confocal imaging. Specifically, the research assistant will be required to perform mesenchymal stem cell isolation, testing new reagents, as well as basic cell culture work. The research assistant will also be responsible to plan, perform and analyze some experiments within a project, independently or under supervision of the group leader or group members.

Key responsibilities

• Organize, plan, perform and analyze experiments on functional characterization of leukemia niche using patient materials and animal modelling.
• Organize, prepare, test and optimize common lab reagents, e.g. antibodies and keep up-to-date records
• Assist and work closely with other lab members on experimental work conducted in the laboratory

The successful candidate will conduct the research with a special focus on deciphering molecular pathways mediating leukemic stem cell interaction with their niche under the supervision of the group leader (Dr. Hong Qian). In addition, the candidate is also expected to participate in collaborative projects.

It is considered as a merit if the applicant has experience in multi-color flow cytometry and mouse model.

Entry requirements

We are seeking a motivated, responsible and organized candidate with experience in mouse genotyping, flow cytometry analyses and general cell culture. Good knowledge of the English language is required. The applicant must be able to work flexibly and in a high-paced research environment.

Essential requirements

• at least Master's degree in molecular and cell biology or biomedicine or medicine
• Good proficiency of spoken and written English
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Flow cytometry experience
• Cell culture experience, particularly, co-culture with mesenchymal stem cells.

Desired requirements

• Experience in leukemia niche
• Experience in drug testing
• Experience with mouse work

Personal suitability will be a strong selection criterion.

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement. And you get to practice freely in our modern wellness facilities, where trained staff are on site.

Location: Flemingsberg

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Welcome to apply at the latest 2023-06-06.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form.