Research assistant – Childhood Leukemia Transcriptomics

The Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology (Bonkolab), Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen.

Are you passionate about working with omics datasets and do you wish to conduct research in an inspiring research environment close to the clinic? The Pediatric Oncology Research Laboratory (Bonkolab) at Rigshospitalet is recruiting a research assistant to identify gene expression patterns associated with central nervous system (CNS) dissemination in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The position will be available from October 1st 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.

The research unit
The Pediatric Oncology Research Laboratory (Bonkolab) at Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, is with more than 100 employees the largest childhood cancer research unit in Denmark. The interdisciplinary staff includes lab technicians, nurses, infrastructure personnel and a vast group of researchers who cover all types of childhood cancer and all areas of pediatric oncology research – from etiology, genetics and tumor biology to new treatment strategies, including phase 1 and phase 2 treatment, pharmacology, toxicity, psychosocial aspects and rehabilitation. 

The research project
CNS dissemination at diagnosis is a negative prognostic factor in patients with ALL, and CNS relapse is frequent, but the biological processes leading to leukemic cell infiltration and relapse in the CNS are not well understood. The project will focus on identifying gene expression profiles associated with CNS dissemination and persistence of leukemic cells in patients with ALL. The long-term goal of the project is to identify biomarkers that predict relapse risk as well as potential targets for CNS-specific therapeutic interventions. RNA-sequencing will be performed on leukemic cells collected from the cerebrospinal fluid and the bone marrow of children and young adults with ALL and computational methods will be applied to identify transcriptomic changes associated with CNS dissemination and relapse. The functional significance of identified candidate genes will be studied in relevant in vitro models, including primary human ALL cells and advanced CNS models.

Qualifications

• A relevant master’s degree (bioinformatics, biomedicine, medicine or a closely related field)
• Proficiency in bioinformatics and computational data analysis, including experience with large-scale biological datasets.
• Demonstrated experience with bioinformatic analysis of next generation sequencing data
• Fluent programming skills in R
• Knowledge of cancer cell biology and clinical oncology/hematology is an advantage
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills in English and previous experience with scientific writing
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in cancer cell disease mechanisms
• High degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

We offer
The opportunity to work on a translational research project in a stimulating and collaborative research environment. Our department is science based and collaborates closely with clinicians and external researchers in a national and international setting. We offer a positive working climate with flexible working conditions.

The position is a temporary position of 1 year, with the possibility of extension to a 3-year PhD position if additional funding for the project is secured.

Salary: According to Danish regulation reflecting the applicant's education and experience.

Application procedure: Please submit your online application no later than September 15th 2025. Attach your motivated application, CV, publication list and exam certificates.

For further information please contact:
Maria Thastrup, PhD, MSc
Postdoc, junior group leader
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet
Denmark
Email: maria.thastrup@regionh.dk
Phone: +45 35456611

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej
• Kontaktperson
  Maria Thastrup
  maria.thastrup@regionh.dk
• Adresse
  Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø
• Stillingstype
  Forsker
• Speciale
  Pædiatri
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  01-10-2025
• Regionens jobnr.
  264026
• Quick-nr.
  480683
• Indrykningsdato
  01-09-2025
• Ansøgningsfrist
  15-09-2025