Research Assistant in Computational Cancer Immunology

We are looking for a research assistant in computational cancer immunology for a fixed-term position at the School of Medical Sciences at Örebro University.

Background

The position is part of a research project focused on understanding and predicting T-cell receptor recognition of tumor antigens in neural crest–derived cancers, particularly melanoma and neuroblastoma. These tumors are characterized by complex interactions with the immune system, and improving our ability to predict TCR specificity may contribute to the development of more precise immunotherapies.

The project integrates computational analysis of immune receptor sequencing data, machine learning approaches for TCR prediction, and translational collaboration with clinical and laboratory teams. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment combining bioinformatics, cancer immunology, and clinical research, and will interact with researchers at Örebro University as well as collaborators in hospital and laboratory settings.

Duties and responsibilities

The research assistant will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on computational prediction and analysis of T-cell receptor-antigen interactions in neural crest-derived tumors, particularly melanoma and neuroblastoma. The position will also involve participation in the analysis of single-cell sequencing data (e.g., scRNA-seq and immune repertoire profiling) to characterize tumor and immune cell heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment, with the aim of integrating these datasets to better understand tumor-immune dynamics and mechanisms relevant to immunotherapy.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the analysis and interpretation of TCR sequencing and related immunogenomic datasets.
• Supporting the development and execution of computational pipelines for TCR prediction.
• Working with datasets derived from tumor samples and immunological assays.
• Running analyses on high-performance computing systems using Linux-based environments and SLURM.
• Contributing to data organization, documentation, and reproducible research workflows.
• Collaborating with researchers from laboratory and clinical environments to facilitate translational aspects of the project.
• Assisting with preparation of figures, reports, and scientific manuscripts.
• Participating in group meetings and collaborative research activities.
• The position is primarily research-focused and does not normally include teaching duties.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, experimental medicine, biomedicine, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related field. The candidate should have experience working in Linux-based environments and practical familiarity with high-performance computing systems, including the use of SLURM or similar job scheduling systems. Basic programming skills in Python are required, as well as experience working with biological or biomedical datasets. The successful applicant should demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment, and must have good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Meritorious qualifications include experience in immunology, cancer biology, or immuno-oncology, as well as familiarity with T-cell receptor sequencing data or immune repertoire analysis. Experience applying machine learning methods to biological data is also considered an advantage. Previous involvement in translational research projects involving collaboration with laboratory and/or hospital environments will be viewed positively. Additional merit will be given to applicants with experience using version control systems (such as Git) and working with reproducible computational workflows.

Assessment criteria

To see the job advertisement in its entirety visit: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/job/?jid=20260090 

Information

This is a full-time position for one year. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, please contact senior lecturer Oscar Bedoya Reina, +46 76934 9358, email: oscar.bedoya-reina@oru.se, or Head of Division Liza Ljungberg, +46 19 30 1477, email: Liza.Ljungberg@oru.se.

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• Covering letter, outlining how you believe you can contribute to the continued development of Örebro University
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.

More information for applicants will be found on our career site:  https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/ 

The application deadline is 2026-05-04. We look forward to receiving your application!

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.