Research Assistant

Uppsala Universitet · Vollzeit

box 256, Uppsala, Schweden

Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on, among others, cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases. One of the guiding principles at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby promote closer collaboration between medical research and healthcare. Research is conducted within six research programs: cancer precision medicine, cancer immunotherapy, genomics and neurobiology, molecular tools and functional genomics, neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration, and vascular biology. Parts of the activities are also integrated with the divisions of oncology, clinical genetics, clinical immunology, clinical pathology and hospital physics at the Academic Hospital. The department has teaching responsibilities in a number of program educations, independent courses and international master's programs within the Faculty of Medicine. The department has a turnover of approximately 550 million kronor, of which approximately two-thirds are external research grants. The number of employees is approximately 400, of which approximately 100 are doctoral students, and there are in total over 850 active in the workforce. Read more about the department's activities here: www.uu.se/medarbetare/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi Job Description Help advance research on pediatric brain tumors! A position as Research Assistant is offered in Veronica Rendo's research group at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University. We are seeking a highly motivated and curious researcher who wants to contribute to groundbreaking research on atypical teratoid-rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), a rare and highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor that primarily affects infants and is associated with relapse rates of up to 75%. Our goal is to understand why certain tumors respond to treatment while others develop resistance, and to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities that can ultimately improve treatment outcomes for children with ATRT. As part of an interdisciplinary research team, you will study the mechanisms behind treatment response and treatment resistance in both standard treatments and clinically relevant targeted therapies. The project is supported by leading Swedish research funders, including the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Göran Gustafsson Foundation and Beijer Lab for Gene and Neuroscience, creating excellent conditions for ambitious and innovative research focused on new discoveries. Read more about the project and research group at rendolab.org. As a research assistant, you will work with patient-derived brain tumor models and co-cultures with brain organoids to study tumor biology and treatment response in experimental model systems that better mimic the tumor's physiological environment. The project combines advanced experimental methods in cancer biology, genomics and functional genetics, including: - Cell culture of patient-derived brain tumor models - Co-culture of tumor cells with brain organoids - Molecular DNA barcoding and library preparation for single-cell RNA sequencing - CRISPR-Cas12a screening and functional genetic methods - Viral transduction and BSL-2 work - Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence - Drug response assays and cell growth analyses - Immunoblotting and other molecular and phenotypic analyses You will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of pediatric cancer biology, functional genomics and novel experimental model systems, while contributing to research with clear translational relevance. Qualifications We are seeking an engaged and scientifically curious candidate with a master's degree in biomedicine, medicine or equivalent. Previous practical experience with cell culture, including viral work at BSL-2 level, and molecular biology methods is required. Excellent English skills, both spoken and written, are a requirement. Above all, we are looking for someone who is curious and has a strong desire to learn, enjoys experimental problem-solving and wants to contribute to a creative and collaborative research environment that tackles complex questions in pediatric cancer research. Meritorious/Desired Qualifications Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: - Viral work at BSL-2 level - Flow cytometry and/or sorting - Molecular cloning - CRISPR-based screening or genomic technology - Epigenetics - Brain tumor biology - Functional genomics or single-cell-based methods This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dynamic research environment and contribute to increasing understanding of one of the most challenging pediatric brain tumors. If you are motivated by ambitious biological questions and want to develop your experimental skills by working with modern research methods, we look forward to hearing from you. About the Position The employment is time-limited, 12 months. Full-time position. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Verónica Rendo, [email protected] Welcome to submit your application no later than October 16, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2499 Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be subject to security clearance. Security clearance is a requirement for employment; applicants must be approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system. Labor representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] Open to All We focus on your competence, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace according to your needs.