Postdoctoral Researcher

Uppsala Universitet · Vollzeit

box 256, Uppsala, Schweden

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on, among other things, cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases. Learn more about the department's activities here: www.uu.se/medarbetare/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi Job Description The postdoctoral researcher will develop innovative, genetically defined leukemia cell line models to investigate how specific TP53 alterations affect cell behavior and clinically relevant phenotypes. The project will integrate genome editing, functional cancer biology, drug response profiling, high-content imaging, and quantitative data analysis. Key Responsibilities - Generate isogenic leukemia cell line models carrying clinically relevant TP53 alterations using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. - Establish models representing distinct allelic states, including wild-type, heterozygous mutation, homozygous mutation, loss of heterozygosity, and TP53 null state. - Define the effect of TP53 genotype on proliferation, competitive fitness, cell cycle control, apoptosis, senescence-like phenotypes, DNA damage response, genomic stability, and stress adaptation. - Assess how TP53 alterations affect sensitivity and resistance to clinically relevant therapies, including chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents, venetoclax-based combinations, DNA-damaging agents, radiation, and novel targeted treatments. - Contribute to method development for applying Cell Painting to suspension cells and to machine learning models for classification of TP53 variants. Scope of Work Approximately 70–80% experimental/wet lab work, 20–30% data analysis, modeling, and manuscript preparation; the exact balance can be adjusted to the candidate's profile and project needs. Supervision The postdoctoral researcher will be scientifically supervised by the PI(s) of the leukemia/TP53 program and will collaborate closely with senior bioinformaticians, clinicians, and molecular geneticists; they may co-supervise master's/doctoral students in daily laboratory and analysis work. Specific Responsibilities/Authority - Lead planning of experiments and analyses within the TP53 work package, including selection of variants, cell models, and compound conditions. - Make independent decisions on protocol optimization, feature selection, and computational workflows, in consultation with the project leader. - Ensure data quality control, documentation, and reproducibility, and take a leading role in developing manuscripts, presentations, and method descriptions for this project. Qualifications - PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, hematology, genetics, genomics, or a related discipline. The degree must be completed by the time of the employment decision. Priority is given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application date. Under special circumstances, the degree may have been completed earlier. The three-year period may be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, union duties, etc. - Documented experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including hematopoietic or leukemia models and functional analyses (drug response, apoptosis, DNA damage, etc.). - Knowledge of NGS-based genomics or transcriptomics (variant calling, RNA sequencing, single-cell or bulk analyses) and integration of multiomics data is highly desirable. - Excellent publication record in relation to career stage, with at least one first-author paper involving quantitative or image-based analysis. - Strong problem-solving ability, ability to work independently, and motivation to drive an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of leukemia biology and computational analysis. - Collaborative skills, good communication ability, and willingness to work closely with wet lab, clinical, and computational partners. - High degree of meticulousness, rigor, and enthusiasm for developing new analytical methods and translating results into precision medicine for leukemia. Meritorious Qualifications - Strong knowledge of cancer biology, preferably including leukemia, hematopoiesis, p53 biology, or functional genomics. - Practical experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing or related genetic engineering techniques. - Experience with functional analyses such as viability assays, proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, cell cycle assays, DNA damage assays, or drug response experiments. About the Position The position is time-limited for 2 years according to the central collective agreement with the possibility of a 1-year extension. The position is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Thierry Soussi, [email protected], Panagiotis Baliakas, [email protected] Welcome to submit your application no later than October 7, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2523 Please note that this is a shortened version of the announcement. To see the full announcement, please click on "Apply here" or visit Uppsala University's website: https://uu.se/jobb/ Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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. Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. Security vetting is a prerequisite for employment; applicants must be approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received through Uppsala University's recruitment system. Trade union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] Open to Everyone We focus on your skills, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.