Postdoctoral studies in uncovering novel therapeutic targets and differentiation strategies in MYC-driven tumors (scholarship)
Karolinska Institutet · Solna · Deadline 2026-11-10
Karolinska Institutet in Solna offers a **postdoctoral scholarship** in Marie Arsenian Henriksson's research group to uncover novel therapeutic targets and differentiation strategies in MYC-driven childhood tumors, focusing on neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. The fellow investigates how MYC family oncoproteins shape tumor cell identity and metabolic dependencies by combining cancer biology, human induced pluripotent stem cell disease models, differentiation strategies, and drug screening. Responsibilities include a leading role in experimental design, execution, troubleshooting, omics and imaging data analysis, presenting and publishing results, and collaborating across internal and external networks. Funding is provided as a **tax-free scholarship** established for up to two years within a four-year window after receiving a doctorate, set twelve months at a time. Eligibility is limited to foreign researchers who reside outside Sweden, intend to stay only for their postdoctoral training, and have not lived or completed academic education in Sweden. Applicants must hold a **doctorate in biomedical science** or a related field, or an equivalent foreign degree, completed before starting. Candidates must have a solid background in cancer biology, familiarity with broad molecular and cellular techniques—including advanced mammalian and 3D cell culture, omics sample preparation, and mouse in vivo studies—and fluency in English. Experience in MYC biology, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, grant writing, or student supervision is advantageous.
Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?
The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.
Division
Marie Arsenian Henriksson's group investigates how MYC family oncoproteins influence cancer development, cellular differentiation and metabolism, with a particular focus on childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. We aim to understand how oncogenic programs interact with normal developmental processes to shape tumor cell identity and create vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
To address these questions, we combine cancer and developmental biology with metabolic studies, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based disease models, differentiation strategies, and drug screening. This integrated approach allows us to study tumor development in a human developmental context, identify molecular and metabolic dependencies, and explore new therapeutic strategies.
We are a multicultural, dynamic and collaborative group with an extensive network of national and international collaborators, providing a stimulating environment for interdisciplinary research and scientific exchange.
Duties
A highly motivated, skilled and creative researcher is invited to join our team to investigate the interplay between MYC-driven oncogenic programs, cellular differentiation and metabolism in childhood cancer. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to research aimed at understanding how MYC/MYCN shapes tumor cell identity and metabolic dependencies, using neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma as disease models. Projects may include the identification and validation of novel metabolic vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets, the development of differentiation-based strategies for aggressive neuroblastoma, and the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based models to investigate mechanisms of tumor development and therapeutic response. The research may also involve drug and compound screening to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
The successful candidate will have a leading role in experimental design, execution and troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation, and presentation and publication of results. We are looking for a researcher who is able to develop and pursue their own scientific ideas while working collaboratively within the group and with national and international collaborators. Experience in grant writing and supervision or mentoring of Bachelor’s and Master’s students is highly desirable.
Entry requirements
Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign researcher is a person living in another country who comes to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate, or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post-doctoral education.
_In addition to aforementioned requirements for the position:_
- We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven researcher with a strong interest in cancer biology and a motivation to explore new directions in cancer therapeutics.
- The candidate should have a high degree of scientific independence, while working collaboratively and contributing to a positive and supportive research environment.
- The applicant should hold a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science or a related field and have a solid background in cancer biology.
- Experience in tumor metabolism, cancer cell signalling and/or target identification is particularly relevant.
- The candidate should be familiar with a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including:
- Advanced mammalian cell culture, drug testing and immunofluorescence
- 3D cell culture and tumor spheroid models
- Molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning and Western blotting
- Lentiviral transduction and genetic manipulation
- Protein-protein interaction assays, including proximity ligation assays
- Imaging techniques and quantitative image analysis
- Lipidomics, proteomics and RNA sequencing sample preparation
- Basic analysis and interpretation of omics data
- Experimental validation of candidate compounds and drug-response assays
- In vivo studies in mice, tumor monitoring and tissue collection
- Immunohistochemistry and analysis of tumor samples
- Fluency in English is a requirement.
_Meritorious for the position:_
- Experience in MYC biology, neuroblastoma or medulloblastoma is an advantage.
What do we offer?
A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.
Location: Solna
Type of scholarship
The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.
Application process
An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
- A complete list of publications
- A summary of current work (no more than one page)
The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.
Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!
Jobbfakta
Fält – Värde
First day of employment – According to agreement
Salary – Scholarship
Reference number – STÖD 2-4064/2026
Contact – Marie Arsenian-Henriksson, marie.arsenian.henriksson@ki.se
Union representative – Björn Andersson, SACO, bjorn.andersson@ki.se; Carina Eklund, OFR/ST, carina.eklund@ki.se; Robert Lindberg, SEKO, Robert.G.Lindberg@seko.se
Published – 08.Oct.2026
Last application date – 10.Nov.2026