SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD Student (Heidelberg)

The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With approximately 3,000 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research.

The Division of Molecular Genome Analysis is seeking for January 2018 a

PhD Student

(Ref-No. 284/2017

Description:

We are looking for a PhD candidate in biosciences for the project "Investigation of the Influence of Breast Cancer Drugs on HER2 Dimerization at the Molecular Level in Individual Cells Aiming to Find Clues for Causes of Drug Resistance" funded by the Else KrÃķner-Fresenius Foundation. This project is in collaboration with the Innovate Electron Microscopy group at the Leipniz-Institute for New Materials (SaarbrÞcken).

The Division of Molecular Genome Analysis at the DKFZ aims to understand the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate signalling networks controlling cancer development, metastasis, and drug response as prerequisite to advance personalized treatment. Visit http://www.dkfz.de/en/mga to learn more about the group.

The HER2/ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in 10-20% of breast cancer patients. Even though this subtype is efficiently treated with HER2-targeted antibody drugs, like trastuzumab, primary or acquired drug resistance is often inevitable, presumably also as a consequence of cancer cell heterogeneity. Other receptors of the HER/ErbB-family, like EGFR and ErbB3, are strongly expressed in other breast cancer subtypes, and form homo- as well as heterodimers upon activation. We plan studying the influence of drugs at the single cell level while taking cancer cell heterogeneity into account. This will be done using also liquid-phase scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and established tumor cell lines as well as cells from clinical specimen. The project will cover the establishment of primary cells and testing surface expression of HER/ErbB-proteins as well as their functional impact towards response to targeted therapeutics. Subpopulations of tumor cells !

 shall be

 identified and characterized at the molecular and functional levels, also to potentially identify predictors of drug response.

Your profile:

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a vivid interest in cellular signalling and translating in vitro-concepts to clinical application. Applicants should have graduated in a life sciences subject and have a strong background in cell and molecular biology. Experiences in the handling of clinical samples, microdissection and/or immunohistochemistry, cell culture, molecular biology techniques would be a plus. The candidates should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary environment that involves clinical aspects as well as theoretical approaches. Submit your complete application with cover letter, curriculum vitae, University diploma and thesis summary, as well as contact information for two references via the DKFZ online application system.

The position is limited to 3 years.

For further information please contact

Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiemann, phone +49 6221 42-4702.

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, Personalabteilung, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg) and that we do not accept applications submitted via email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Michaela Schneider

m.schneider@dkfz.de

German Cancer Research Center

Heidelberg

Ansprechpartner: Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiemann