Postdoctoral Research in Leukemia Microenvironment

Karolinska Institutet, one of the world's leading medical universities, is offering a postdoctoral research position in leukemia microenvironment at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Flemingsberg Campus. The successful candidate will join the Hong Qian group, whose vision is to dissect the role of the leukemia niche in the development and therapy response of myeloid leukemia, aiming to identify new niche-based therapeutic targets for improved treatment outcomes. The group focuses on the mesenchymal niche in myeloid leukemia, using both patient samples and mouse models. Recent discoveries include the role of laminin a4 chain (Lama4) in inhibiting AML progression and relapse, and CXCL14 in suppressing leukemia-initiating stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia. The research environment is creative and inspiring, with opportunities to collaborate with cutting-edge researchers and contribute to high-quality studies on leukemic stem cell interactions with their niches. Technologies employed in the group include multi-color flow cytometry, confocal imaging, lineage tracing, gene-editing, in vivo and in vitro stem cell assays (including coculture and experimental transplantation), and advanced molecular tools such as RNA sequencing, digital PCR, and single cell PCR. The position is a 2-year postdoc with the possibility of extension for another 2 years, offering a monthly salary and employment benefits through the university's collective agreement. The main duties involve planning, performing, documenting experiments, analyzing data, and reporting findings both orally and in writing, independently or under supervision. The postdoc will also interact with group members and collaborators, participate in collaborative projects, and assist Professor Hong Qian in supervising junior students. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in molecular and cell biology, hematology, oncology, biomedicine, or medicine. Essential requirements include proficiency in English, experience with flow cytometry, cell culture (especially co-culture with stromal or immune cells), and mouse models. Desired qualifications are experience in leukemia niche, drug testing, laboratory animal work (FELASA C or equivalent), at least 1-3 years hands-on experience with mice, and bioinformatics analysis tools. Personal suitability and the ability to work flexibly in a high-paced research environment are important selection criteria. To apply, submit your application through the Varbi recruitment system by 2026-03-08, including your PhD certificate, resumé, list of publications, and a summary of current work. Applications can be in English or Swedish. For further information, contact Professor Hong Qian ([email protected]). Join Karolinska Institutet and contribute to groundbreaking research in leukemia microenvironment, making a difference in global health.