SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD (m/f) Epigenetic Characterization of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (Aachen)

RWTH Aachen University Medical School wants to strengthen research in oncology. The project is embedded into an IZKF-funded research consortium "mesenchymal interactions and fibrogenic signalling in cancer development: Molecular mechanisms in solid and hematologic neoplasmsâ.

Therefore the group Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering at the Helmoltz-Institute is offering on January 1st, 2018 or later a

PhD (m/f) Epigenetic Characterization of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts

Focus of this project is on epigenetic characterization of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These cells have crucial impact on tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the cellular origin of CAFs and their epigenetic characteristics are largely unclear. We will analyze CAFs in hepatocellular carcinoma and myeloproliferative neoplasms to determine their clonal composition and differentiation potential. Genome wide DNA methylation profiles will be analyzed to determine disease-associated epigenetic modifications in CAFs, their cellular origin, and their frequency in tumor samples. Close collaboration with bioinformaticians is essential to integrate additional genetic and epigenetic datasets (AG Ivan Costa; http://costalab.org). All relevant techniques are established in the lab (including culture expansion, differentiation assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR, blotting techniques, genetic modifications, microarray platforms, single cel!
 l RNA-seq
 , and epigenetic analysis with deep sequencing technology).

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with a strong background in cell biology. Experience in stem cell biology and/or epigenetics would be appreciated. Willingness for teamwork, the ability to work independently, and excellent English language skills are prerequisites.

We offer a highly interactive and well equipped environment in a team with international partners, a broad spectrum of methods, and a highly relevant topic.

Funding is initially available for three years. It is a part time position (19,25 h/w in the first year, 25,03 h/w in the second and third year. The salary corresponds to level TV-L 13.

The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

The RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program for partner hiring. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit.

Your application should include a cover letter which specifically emphasizes your interest in our work (in English), CV, and copies of the most important certificates. For additional questions please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Wolfgang Wagner. Your application should be send by Email (code No: GB-P-6338) to: wwagner@ukaachen.de until November, 5th, 2017.

http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de

Maria Bongartz
mbongartz@ukaachen.de
Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
Aachen

Ansprechpartner: H. Prof. Dr. W. Wagner