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.
We are currently looking for a postdoctoral fellow in experimental ovarian cancer research for a period of three years starting October 2025 or as agreed. The project is conducted at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention at Umeå University.
Description of the project
The goal of the project is to determine the genetic basis of treatment resistance in ovarian carcinoma. Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers; approximately half of patients die within five years after diagnosis. To address this challenge, we established an NSG mouse model that included human ovarian carcinoma xenografts and a chemotherapy treatment regimen mimicking the human situation. In your project, you will perform a CRISPR screen in this in vivo model. Thereafter, based on the results of the screen, novel therapeutic treatment strategies and possible new biomarkers will be explored. The overall aim is to develop new therapeutic strategies that efficiently target currently hard-to-treat ovarian carcinomas.
Work responsibilities
The successful applicant will independently perform animal experiments with human ovarian carcinoma xenografts in immunocompromised mice. They will treat mice with appropriate chemotherapy regimens and image them using different imaging platforms. Primary human organoids will be established and genetically manipulated using CRISPR technology, in vitro. They will analyze cells and tumors through imaging, next generation DNA sequencing, single cell RNA sequencing, and other molecular techniques. They will compile and analyze the results and present them both verbally and in written form.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in biomedical sciences is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.
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 animal research, with proven practical skills in animal handling and analyses is required. Good experiences in cell cultivation, cell experiments, molecular biology, and CRISPR screens are also required. Similarly, excellent verbal and written English communication skills are required.
Additional useful qualifications
Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.
Because the overarching goal of the project is to develop novel therapies against treatment-resistant ovarian carcinoma, knowledge and experience in ovarian cancer biology and research is desirable.
More information about the position
The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for three years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher.
More information about the group's research can be found on our website: https://www.umu.se/forskning/grupper/hakan-hedman-lab/
Application
The application must include:
A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
CV
List of publications
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
Contact details of two reference persons
The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 10 June 2025.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
