Research specialist position focusing on sympathoadrenal tumor mouse models

Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching in immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. Key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, translational, national and international collaborations.

The Schlisio lab at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, seeks a research specialist to work on molecular principles of tumor formation arising from the sympathoadrenal cell lineage (neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma) to explore cell of origin, disease initiation and tumor heterogeneity.

We are seeking a motivated, creative research specialist candidate interested in tumor mouse models arising from the sympathoadrenal lineage, such as neuroblastoma (NB) and pheochromocytoma (PCC), with the aim to understand the molecular principles of these tumors at a previously unprecedented level. The neuroblastoma cell of origin is thought to be a developing sympathoblast, however, its precise cell of origin remains unknown. Single cell transcriptomics will identify gene expression clusters that are prominent in specific embryonic sympathoadrenal developmental stages in NB and PCC. Identifying the cell(s) of NB/PCC origin and their temporal development will provide mechanistic insight into: disease initiation, heterogeneity, progression, clinical behavior and spontaneous NB regression.

The project involves novel neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma animal models that are generated in our lab to investigate the dynamics of tumor formation in a single cell mode to compare events in the early tumor with already defined trajectory. This approach may explain the role of known mutations and will help to devise new tumor-differentiating strategies in vivo.

We are currently addressing the following questions:

• Understanding the clinical heterogeneity of neuroblastoma: What distinguishes the “favorable” vs the “unfavorable” neuroblastoma?
• What unique signatures can be found in the spontaneously regressing neuroblastoma?
• Do neuroblastoma types represent regulatory patterns in early or late embryonic sympathoblast/crest populations?
• Can we identify cell-of-origin subpopulations for neuroblastoma initiation?

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation.

To be eligible for the position, you must have completed your doctoral degree in neuroscience or equivalent as well as FELASA B certificate are required.

The applicant must have demonstrated relevant research expertise in animal experiments, such as neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma tumour mouse models, RNAscope and confocal microscopy,  immunohistochemistry, neuro- and protein biochemistry, and intravital imaging. 

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

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 a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

https://ki.se/en/mtc/schlisio-lab

Suggested readings:

Bedoya-Reina OC, Li W, Arceo M, Plescher M, Pui H, Kaucka M,
Kharchenko P, Martinsson T, Holmberg J, Adameyko I, Deng Q, Larsson C, Juhlin C, Kogner P and SCHLISIO S.
Single-nuclei transcriptomes from human adrenal gland reveals distinct cellular identities of low and high-risk neuroblastoma tumors.
Accepted and forthcoming May 2021, Nature Communications
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.26.437162v1

Bedoya-Reina OC, SCHLISIO S.
Chromaffin Cells with Sympathoblast Signature: Too Similar to Keep Apart?
Cancer Cell. 2020 Dec 28:S1535-6108(20)30657-7.
doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2020.12.009.

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents: Resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2022-06-13

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.For permanent positions, Karolinska Institutet  applies a 6-month probationary period.