Our group is looking for one or two eager students (preferably at master level) to join our lab for a 20-week project during the spring 2020.

Project description:

Neuroectodermal tumours include some of the most common malignancies of children. Relapse is the main cause of death and the outmost challenge. Neuroblastoma comprises tumours of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, with a spectrum of inter- and intra-tumour heterogeneities resulting in low- to high-risk phenotypes. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, however both genetic and non-genetic mechanisms have been implicated.

Chemotherapy is central for high-risk neuroblastoma therapy and response is associated with outcome. We have previously mapped regrowth of chemotherapy resistant neuroblastoma cells and this project aim at investigate non-genetic intra-tumour variations regarding chemotherapy resistance.

1. Student project 1: Importance of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) - dynamics on cell-fate decisions on senescence/proliferation.

2. Student project 2: Targeting drug-induced cellular responses as means to eliminate neuroblastoma proliferation/relapse.

The projects involve in vitro testing of cell lines of high-risk neuroblastoma following chemotherapy. Main techniques used will be: Cell culturing, Live-cell FACS, FISH. Immunocytochemistry, TUNEl, BrdU / EdU staining and Metafer analysis (using a microscope scanning system for single cell automated quantitative high through-put measurements).

Shahrzad Shirazi Fard, PhD.
Lars Ährlund-Richter, PhD. Professor emeritus.

Contact: shahrzad.shirazi.fard@ki.se. 08-517 72 764

Your application should include a CV, a personal letter and a transcript of credits.