Postdoc (scholarship): Fluorescence-based nanoscopy studies of the role of platelets in tumor development.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.
The workplace
The postdoctoral studies will take place in the lab of the Experimental Biomolecular Physics group, department of Applied Physics, KTH ( www.biomolphysics.kth.se ). Its research activities are in the interdisciplinary field between physics, biology and medicine, focusing on ultrasensitive and ultrahigh resolution fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging. Particularly, the research addresses the possibility to detect, identify and characterize biomolecules and biomolecular interactions down to a single molecule level and with high spatial resolution. This opens exciting perspectives in diagnostics, screening methodologies, and for fundamental dynamic and conformational studies of biomolecules.
Project description
By ultra-high resolution fluorescence imaging (Nanoscopy) we have shown that the spatial arrangements of specific tumor-promoting proteins in platelets can be mapped with an unprecedented combination of resolution, sensitivity and specificity. This provides a unique possibility to detect and characterize deviations in the selective storage, release and uptake of these proteins in the platelets. We want to engage a postdoc to further study the protein uptake, storage and release mechanisms in platelets. The postdoc will take part in ongoing studies, where the aim is to reveal how these mechanisms can be protein-selective, how they can be specifically influenced by tumor cells to support tumor growth and metastasis, and to identify agents that can interfere with this tumor cell-platelet interaction. Following these studies, of platelets from healthy controls, systematically investigating effects of various stimuli and tumour cell influence, the aim is next also to investigate if similar features can be found in platelets from cancer patients.
Qualifications
Requirements:
A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
For this project, successful postdoctoral studies require a solid background in fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Experience from sample preparations related to these techniques will be highly beneficial. Moreover, experience in cell biology and biochemistry, in particular of platelet function and regulation mechanisms will be considered an advantage, but not an absolute requirement.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability. Scientific and Cooperation skills, independence and motivation are key factors.
Application
Apply to this scholarship by e-mail to scholarshipapplication@sci.kth.se . You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than 2023-02-15. Mark your application with reference number S-2023-0021.
The application must include the following documents, preferably in PDF-format:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter (detailing both your previous scientific work experience and your interest in this position)
- Research statement (max 2 pages)
- Contact information for two references
EU Citizens on scholar or private funding need to bring a certificate showing EHIC insurance (a comprehensive medical- and health insurance) from the home country, which must cover during the full stay in Sweden.
Without this certificate you may only remain three months in Sweden and will not be able to register as a residence in Sweden.
The responsibility for the comprehensive insurance is strictly on the applicant.
Please observe that you apply for a scholarship, not an employment.
About the position/positions
Period: 2023-03-01 (or as soon as possible), and with a duration of 18–24 months.
Extent: Full-time
Number of positions:1
Amount of scholarship:28.000kr/month
Location: KTH, Albanova Univ Center, Dept. Applied Physics, Exp. Biomolecular Physics group.
Contact
Jerker Widengren jwideng@kth.se
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