Research Assistant in Brain Tumor Research and Treatment Resistance
The 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, neurooncology and neurodegeneration, and vascular biology. Parts of the operations are also integrated with the departments of oncology, clinical genetics, clinical immunology, clinical pathology and medical physics at Akademiska sjukhuset. The department has teaching assignments in a number of degree programs, independent courses and international master's programs within the Faculty of Medicine. The department has a turnover of approximately 550 million SEK, of which about two-thirds are external research grants. The number of employees is approximately 400, of which about 100 are doctoral students, and there are a total of over 850 active in the workforce. Please read more about the department's activities here: www.uu.se/medarbetare/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi
Job Description
Help drive research on pediatric brain tumors forward!
A position as a 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 very aggressive pediatric brain tumor that primarily affects infants and is associated with recurrence rates of up to 75%.
Our goal is to understand why some tumors respond to treatment while others develop resistance, as well as to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities that can, in the long term, 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 prominent Swedish research funders, including Barncancerfonden, Göran Gustafsson Foundation and Beijer Lab for Gene and Neuroscience, which creates good conditions for ambitious and innovative research with a focus on new discoveries.
Read more about the project and the 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 preparation of libraries for single-cell RNA sequencing
- CRISPR-Cas12a screening and functional genetic methods
- Viral transduction and work with BSL-2
- Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence
- Analyses of drug response and cell growth
- Immunoblotting as well as other molecular and phenotypic analyses
You will have the opportunity to work at the interface of pediatric cancer biology, functional genomics and new experimental model systems, while contributing to research with clear translational relevance.
Qualifications
We are seeking a dedicated and scientifically curious candidate with a master's degree in biomedicine, medicine or equivalent.
Previous practical experience in cell culture, including viral work at BSL-2 level, as well as molecular biological methods is required. Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is 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 within pediatric cancer research.
Meritorious/Desirable Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly meritorious:
- Viral work at BSL-2 level
- Flow cytometry and/or sorting
- Molecular cloning
- CRISPR-based screening or genome engineering
- 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 the 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 employment
The employment is time-limited, 12 months. The extent is full-time. Start date according to agreement. Location: Uppsala
Information about the employment is provided by: Verónica Rendo, veronica.rendo@igp.uu.se
Welcome with 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 is like to work at Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
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