Postdoctoral fellowship in pancreatic cancer research
Medicinska fakulteten, Institutionen för Diagnostik och intervention
Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 12 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.
We are currently looking for a postdoc in pancreatic cancer research for a period of two years starting in as soon as possible as agreed. This announced fellowship is financed the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation.
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 tumour cells. This tumour stroma consists of an extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, and immune cells, which together provide the cancer cells with important signals that regulate tumour 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.
Qualification requirements and other desirable requirements:
Candidates must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University PhD at the time of recruitment. In normal case the doctorate exam should have been acquired within three years prior to the last day for application to this position. We are looking for a highly talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive research, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. A strong background in molecular biology and tumour biology is highly desirable. Previous research experience in the field of the tumour microenvironment, especially fibroblasts and immune cells, and animal model systems are also of great merit. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are required.
Application
The application shall include the following documents:
- 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.
Additional information about the position:
For further information, please contact PI Daniel Öhlund at daniel.ohlund@umu.se
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
| First day of employment | Enligt överenskommelse |
|---|---|
| Salary | Stipendium |
| Full-time equivalent | 100 |
| City | Umeå |
| County | Västerbottens län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | FS 2.1.6-713-25 |
| Contact |
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| Published | 01.Apr.2025 |
| Last application date | 08.Apr.2025 11:59 PM CEST |