Postdoctoral fellow in tumor immunology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 37 000 students and 6 000 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

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Duration of employment:  2 years. Extent 100%

First day of employment: As agreed 

The group focuses on the development of cancer immunotherapies in collaboration with several clinical units and has participated in phase II and phase III clinical trials in cancer. For more information see: http://www.cancercenter.gu.se/research/anna-martner/

Melanoma is one of the most immunogenic tumor types and generally carries multiple mutations, which may be targeted by antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells. With this background, several immunotherapies have been developed for patients with malignant melanoma. Antibodies against CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 are approved treatments in malignant melanoma, and prolong survival significantly for a fraction of patients.

Approximately 5-10% of patients with malignant melanoma develop a local spread of the disease along lymph vessels to regional lymph nodes. These so called in-transit metastases are often localized to the limbs and may thus be treated by isolated melphalan perfusions of the affected limb. More than 50% of the patients that undergo isolated limb perfusions achieve a complete response with no detectable tumors after 3 months. However, the majority of patients will experience recurrence of melanoma. 

A new clinical trial, initiated by researchers at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, will investigate if patients with in-transit melanoma benefit from the combination of melphalan perfusions and the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab.

Subject area

Tumor immunology

Subject area description

The aim of this research project is to (i) clarify the role of the immune system for treatment effects of isolated limb perfusions with melphalan in malignant melanoma, (ii) define potential combinatorial benefits of treatment with melphalan perfusions and anti-PD-1 antibodies and (iii) in melanoma mouse models define the role of the immune system for preventing metastasis formation. 

Job assignments

The project will encompass analyses of clinical samples from melanoma patients undergoing isolated limb perfusions with melphalan. Some patients will also receive concurrent treatment with the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab. In addition, the applicant will establish murine melanoma metastasis models, for evaluation of immunotherapeutic strategies. 

Eligibility

An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at the University of Gothenburg. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Assessment

The applicant should hold a PhD in immunology, microbiology with orientation towards immunology, molecular biology, hematology or oncology. Experience of flow cytometry, molecular biology methods and experimental animal models is desirable.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

For further information:

Regarding the position please contact Anna Martner, Postdoctoral research fellow, +46 31 786 6672, anna.martner@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

How to apply

Please apply online: www.gu.se/jobs. Diary ID: PAR 2017/192.

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. 

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Transcript of records from high school and university

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Closing date: 2017-05-22


In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.