Postdoctoral fellowship in cancer biomarkers research

The multidisciplinary research group, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University is searching a passionate and highly skilled postdoctoral fellow to join our pioneering research on diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarkers. This fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work at the intersection of mitochondrial research and molecular diagnostics. This project aims to investigate whether mutations identified in tumor biopsies can be traced back in circulating DNA (plasma) obtained from same cancer patients before the clinical diagnosis—and, if so, how much earlier they can be identified.

As a postdoctoral fellow, you will play a key role in exploring the crucial role of mitochondria in cancer initiation and the development of molecular diagnostic tools. You will work alongside a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and statisticians, dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of molecular diagnostics in cancer.

Why join us?

Comprehensive Postdoctoral Training: This collaborative project presents an outstanding platform for comprehensive training in an array of advanced methodologies such a next-generation sequencing, droplet digital PCR, Luminex etc.  Working with patient material and clinical data in collaboration with database managers and statisticians.

Collaborative and Supportive Environment: You will collaborate closely with distinguished scientists and clinical partners, gain hands-on mentorship from the supervisor, and attend major conferences to showcase your findings and expand your professional network. This mentorship and collaboration will play a pivotal role in not only shaping and refining the project but also in guiding you towards achieving your career aspirations.

Access to Top-tier Facilities: Our lab is located at the cutting-edge Clinical Research Centre, which is fully equipped to support your research ambitions. Additionally, our close ties with Skåne University Hospital and large network at primary health care provide unique translational research opportunities.

About the Research Group
Our focus is mitochondrial genetic and epigenetic changes, their interaction with nuclear genome, and mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic diseases and aging.

The goal of our research is to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for common chronic diseases such as cancer and other chronic diseases. We use clinical samples such as serum/plasma, biopsies and whole blood for analysis and large databases, which include clinical information on patients. The group’s homepage:

https://www.skane.se/en/about-us/research/for-dig-som-forskar/center-for-primary-health-care-research/molecular-family-medicine-laboratory/

https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/ashfaque-memon

Lund University and vicinity

Located in vibrant southern Sweden, Lund University ranks among the world’s top 100 institutions and provides a supportive academic community. Our campus in Malmö is ideally situated for easy access to Copenhagen, with a lively, multicultural atmosphere and rich recreational options. No Swedish language skills? No problem – most Swedes speak English fluently.

Your Profile

To be eligible for the position the recipient must hold a PhD degree within a relevant field.

– The PhD degree should not be older than three years.

– The applicant must not have been employed at Lund University in the past two years.

– Practical knowledge in molecular biology experiments

– A demonstrated track-record in handling DNA sequencing data and bioinformatic analyses.

– A curious, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary mindset.

– Very good oral and written English skills.

– Good subject knowledge in tumor biology

To apply, please send your CV, publication list, and contact details of two references via email to Associate Professor Ashfaque Memon (ashfaque.memon@med.lu.se) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Starting date is flexible but preferably from March 1st 2025.

Selected recent publications from the group relevant to the project

Li, Y., Sundquist, K., Vats, S., Hong, M.-G., Wang, X., Chen, Y., Hedelius, A., Saal, L. H., Sundquist, J.  Memon, A. A. Mitochondrial heteroplasmic shifts reveal a positive selection of breast cancer. 2023, Journal of Translational Medicine. 21, 1, 14 p., 696.

Li, Y., Sundquist, K., Zhang, N., Wang, X., Sundquist, J., Memon, A. A. Mitochondrial related genome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies putatively causal genes for multiple cancer types. 2023, EBioMedicine. 88, 104432.

Memon, A. A., Vats, S., Sundquist, J., Li, Y., Sundquist, K. Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number: Linking Diabetes and Cancer. 2022, Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. 37, 16-18, p. 1168-1190.

Sundquist, K., Sundquist, J., Hedelius, A., Memon, A. A. Diagnostic potential of circulating cell-free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA for several cancer types and nonmalignant diseases: A study on suspected cancer patients. 2020, Molecular Carcinogenesis. 59, 12, p. 1362-1370.