We are looking for one or two post-docs in the field of physiology to study tumor-stroma interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, starting Januari 2019 or earlier. The fellowship is for at least one year, with the possibility to extend.
Project description:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver tumor that originates in a background of chronic liver diseases. Every year almost 500.000 new patients are diagnosed with HCC, making it one of the most common cancers worldwide. The tumor is usually diagnosed at a late stage, limiting the therapeutic options and causing high mortality with an average survival of 4 months after diagnosis.
The progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC is distinguished by a prolonged inflammatory process, which creates a fibrotic environment that is favorable for tumor growth. This fibrotic environment is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix by activated hepatic stellate cells, as well as the involvement of several types of immune cells and the presence of leaky and dysfunctional blood vessels.
Our research projects aim to identify the role of the fibrotic tumor environment in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, using several in vitro and in vivo models that mimic liver fibrosis and HCC. We currently have different ongoing projects that focus on the following aspects of the tumor stroma:
- Interaction between hepatic stellate cells and tumor cells in HCC.
- The effect of activated platelets on different cell populations in HCC.
- The role of purinergic receptors in different hepatic cell populations.
Within these topics we focus on ER-stress, extracellular matrix, macrophage polarization and plasticity, immune cell populations, cell signaling and tumor cell behavior.
More information about these projects can be found on our website.
http://www.mcb.uu.se/res/groups/fh/Eligibility criteria
We are looking for highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researchers to join our international research group at Uppsala University. The candidate needs to have a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in biomedical studies, medicine, life sciences, biology, engineering or related field.
Valuable assets for this project include:
Experience with molecular biology, imaging techniques, in vivo models and conducting independent research.
Good knowledge of liver physiology, cell biology, immunology and/or cancer biology.
Excellent communication skills, a proactive and hardworking personality as well as fluent English are expected.
A record of published papers in highly rated international journals (at least one first name paper) is strongly recommended.
The application should be written in English and include:
Letter of motivation with a short description of your research interests, why you feel you are a good match for the project and which sub-project appeals to you the most (maximum 2 pages).
CV, including a description of relevant skills and experiences, as well as a full publication list.
Names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers to 2-3 reference persons. State their professional relation to you (e.g. PhD supervisor).
One or two reference letters.
Web site for additional job details
http://bit.do/postdoc2018
