Postdoctoral fellowship within pancreatic cancer research at Umeå university

We are at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention currently looking for a postdoctoral fellow in pancreatic cancer research.  The fellowship is full-time for two years with access March 1 or as agreed. This announced fellowship is financed by the Kempe foundations.

Project description  

Pancreatic cancer has a very high mortality rate and currently no effective treatment options are available. A unique feature of the disease is the pronounced fibrotic stroma that surrounds tumor cells. This tumor stroma consists of an extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, and immune cells, which together provide the cancer cells with important signals that regulate tumor growth. This makes the stroma an interesting target from a treatment perspective, but the lack of knowledge in the complexity of the stroma has hampered the development of drugs targeting stromal interactions.

In this project the impact of fibroblasts and immune cells on the development of pancreatic cancer will be studied in detail. The pathophysiological role of fibroblasts and immune cells in disease progression will be studied in animal models, human tissues, and organoid based co-culture systems. Potential drugs affecting the function of the fibroblasts and immune cells will then be developed and tested. The overall aim is to identify and explore critical interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and fibroblasts and immune cells, and to develop new therapeutic strategies that target the disease by selectively blocking or stimulating these interactions.

Qualifications  

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate qualifies as a postdoctoral fellow. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.

A strong background in molecular and tumour biology and bioinformatics is desirable. Previous experience in research involving tumour stroma, fibroblasts and immune cells, as well as experience with animal model systems is an advantage.

We are looking for a qualified, independent and motivated candidate with good collaborative skills. The fellowship requires very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, and good communication skills.

Application  

A full application, written in swedish or english, should include the following documents:

• A personal letter containing a short description of your research interests (max one A4 page) and why you are interested in the fellowship.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including list of technical expertise and list of publications.
• Copies of diplomas and link to PhD thesis.
• Contact information for two reference persons. 

We do this to ensure that the formal requirements are met and that we then have sufficient information to adequately rank eligible candidates.

Further information 

For more information, please contact assistant professor Daniel Öhlund (link to website).

We look forward to receiving your application!