Research Assistant

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focusing on cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby promote closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently organized in six research programs: Cancer Precision Medicine, Cancer Immunotherapy, Genomics and Neurobiology, Molecular Tools and Functional Genomics, Neuro-Oncology and Neurodegeneration and Vascular Biology. Departmental activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at Uppsala University Hospital. The department has teaching assignments in several education programs, including Master Programs, at the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 550 million, out of which about two thirds derive from external funding. IGP has approximately 400 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 850 affiliated staff members. More information about the department's activities can be found here: www.uu.se/en/staff/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology

Job Responsibilities:
The research in Yumeng Mao's group aims to understand the interaction between the immune system and tumor cells. The research group studies the negative mechanisms that cancer cells use to inhibit the function of immune cells. In the current project, the significance of different mechanisms for the immune system's ability to recognize cancer cells is evaluated by shutting down individual genes in the cancer or immune cells using CRISPR technology. It will then be assessed whether this enhances or hinders the immune cells' ability to recognize the cancer cells. This project will provide important knowledge regarding how the immune system and tumors interact, thereby accelerating the development of immunotherapy for patients. Information about the group's research can be found at https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/yumeng-mao/

Qualifications:
We are looking for a research assistant with strong research experience in bioinformatics who has obtained a master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., immunology, biomedicine, or molecular medicine). Documented knowledge of bioinformatics analyses using R or Python is necessary, such as scRNAseq, spatial transcriptomics, RNA-seq, and proteomics. The applicant should have experience in two of these areas and an interest in learning about the remaining ones. Research experience with data integration and machine learning methods is highly meritorious. Experience in isolating and handling cancer and primary immune cells is a requirement, as well as good knowledge of English in spoken and written forms. The applicant should also have experience with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, genetic engineering, western blotting, ELISA, PCR, blood product handling, and cell culture. Documented practical experience in experimental research work involving tumor immunology and tumor biology research is required. Strongly meritorious is research experience with co-culture systems between human immune cells and cancer cells. The candidate offered the position should have an easy time collaborating with others but also possess a good ability to work independently.

Desirable and/or Meritorious:
Knowledge/experience regarding co-culture systems between human immune cells and cancer cells is meritorious. Proven ability to publish scientific studies and present at international conferences is also favorable.

About the Position:
The position is temporary for 12 months. The extent is full-time. Start date according to agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries regarding the position, please contact: Yumeng Mao, yumeng.mao@igp.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 14 april, 2025, reference UFV-PA 2025/876.