Post-doc Position in Translational Leukemia Research (m/f)

The focus of the Laboratory are identification and validation of novel molecular based therapeutic approaches in cancer and their translation into the clinic/patient care. Concurrently to develop predictive biomarkers of response. Disease areas include AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) and MPN's (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms). The group is led by an international expert in translational hematology-oncology. Several therapeutic concepts developed in the laboratory were already translated into clincial studies.

Your responsibility: Molecular-genomic characterization of primary AML and MDS patient samples in correlation to their response to commonly used therapies, in particular elucidating mechanisms of response and development of resistance to hypomethyalting agents (Azacitidine, Decitabine). Further to mechanistically understand genomic findings and to functionally validate genomic vulnerabilities as sites for therapeutic intervention. Ultimately novel therapies and diagnostic approaches will be developed and directly translated into clinical application.

Experimental tasks include isolation of DNA and RNA from primary AML, MDS samples and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods including targeted sequencing (i.e. IonTorrentPGM or WES/WGS, RNAseq or miRNA). Bioinformatics knowledge and skills are desired but not a pre-requisite – ample bioinformatics support is available. Functional and pharmacological validation includes common molecular biology approaches (i.e. drug response experiments, genetic /RNAi based knock-out experiments). Proficiency or excellent experience with primary cell culture (cell lines and human specimens, clonogenic assays and stroma co-culture), flow-cytometry (FACS), cloning techniques and/or CRISPR/Cas9 are required; as is experience with protein-biochemistry (i.e. western blots, IHC). Additional cell culture and molecular biology techniques can be acquired within the laboratories.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Pathology (Pathologisches Institut: Direktor: Prof. Andreas Rosenwald).

Your profile: Applicants for this position should have a strong background in molecular biology and cancer research, preferred in hematological malignancies and/or leukemias and have obtained their PhD with excellent results. Key characteristics of an applicants include an extraordinary level of work ethic and dedication, a team and result-oriented work style, excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to face scientific challenges with creativity and originality and to independently design and carry out experiments. Good English skills are necessary as part of international collaborations.

Your team / we offer: Our lab and department provides a scientifically stimulating environment with an international team of experienced, driven scientists. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage in and be part of the development of a newly build program at the University Hospital and the Comprehensive Cancer Center for Translational Leukemia Research and Personalized Medicine. As such, strong dedication and independence are required with the chance of gaining deep insights into state of the art translational cancer research and genomic, personalized medicine. The applicant and project will benefit from national and international collaborations and close interaction with the PI. The Department of Medicine at the University Hospital Würzburg is home to one of the largest hematology and bone marrow transplantation programs in Germany providing numerous opportunities for bench to bedside interaction, education, career development and clinical translation.

The Post-doc candidate will be able to participate in the mentoring of PhD-/MD- students and contribute to lab management and organization and attend conferences. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualifications.

Application: Please send a letter of motivation (German or English, 1-2 pages), your CV and list of publications, the 2 most important publication, and names of 2-3 potential referees as a single combined pdf-file by email to: tibes_r@ukw.de

Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II – Hämatologie/Onkologie
Dr. med. Raoul Tibes
Stichwort „Post-Doc"
http://www.ukw.de…

Employer:University Hospital Würzburg

Website:http://www.ukw.de

Location:Department of Medicine II - Hematology / Oncology, Translational Cancer and Leukemia Research Laboratory (Lead: Dr. Raoul Tibes), Wuerzburg, Germany

Expires:April 08, 2016

Job type:Postdoctoral

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Doctorate/PhD

Employment type:Unspecified

Job hours:Unspecified