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Postdoc: Heidelberg, Germany
The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With more than 2,700 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research.
The Division of Translational Oncology is seeking a
Postdoc
(Ref-No. 164/2016)
Description:
Understanding and targeting anti-EGFR resistance in human colon cancer.
Targeting EGFR signaling by monoclonal antibodies is widely applied during the treatment of colorectal cancer patients. As activating mutations in members of the RAS family of proto-oncogenes lead to resistance, patients are routinely tested for the presence of such mutations. Nevertheless, secondary resistance ultimately occurs in nearly all cases following a period of initial response to EGFR targeted therapy. In most cases this secondary resistance is conferred by novel mutations or by the selection of small cell clones with KRAS, NRAS, BRAF or PIK3CA mutations, probably already pre-existing within the tumor in small cell clones. These patients have only limited further treatment options, and novel strategies addressing secondary anti-EGFR therapy resistance in colon cancer are urgently needed. Within the Priority Program ‘Translational Oncology’ funded by the Deutsche Krebshilfe, we aim to identify genetic and epigenetic alterations driving anti-EGFR resistance in colon cancer and to understand contextual vulnerabilities to address resistance in the xenograft model. To address these questions, the section Applied Stem Cell Biology (Head Prof. Hanno Glimm) offers a postdoc position for candidates with strong cellular and molecular biology or with strong bioinformatical background.
All experimental techniques required for this research project are successfully established and routinely used in our laboratory. We have identified candidate biomarkers and drug targets in colon cancer TIC in large-scale functional genomics (shRNA and mutagenesis screens) approaches and successfully targeted primary human colon cancer TIC in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we have demonstrated that functional heterogeneity of human colon cancer initiating cells is independent of genetic subclone dynamics. The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg offers a highly interactive and collaborative scientific environment with a strong focus on translational cancer research.
Your profile:
Applicants should hold a PhD degree (postdoc) in bioinformatics, biology / life sciences with an excellent background in bioinformatics or in biology / life sciences with an excellent background in cellular and molecular biology. The applicant should be highly self-motivated and be able to pursue research projects independently as well as in collaborations.
The successful candidate will perform molecular and functional and/or bioinformatical analysis of human colorectal cancers and derived spheroid and organoid cultures. The major focus will be investigating genetic and functional heterogeneity and the molecular targeting of colorectal cancer TIC in vitro and in vivo.
The position is limited to 2 years. The position can in principle be part-time.
For further information please contact Lena Fuchs, phone +49 6221 42-1633.
The German Cancer Research Center is committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and encourages female applicants to apply. Among candidates of equal aptitude and qualifications, a person with disabilities will be given preference.
To apply for a position please use our online application portal (www.dkfz.de/jobs).
We ask for your understanding that we cannot return application documents that are sent to us by post (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Personal- und Sozialwesen, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg) and that we do not accept applications submitted via email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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Job details
Employer:German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).
Website:http://www.dkfz.de/de/index.html
Location:Heidelberg, Germany
Expires:September 05, 2016
Job type:Postdoctoral
Salary:Unspecified
Qualifications:Postgraduate - Doctorate/PhD
Employment type:Unspecified
Job hours:Unspecified