Topic: Role of STAT5 in hematopoietic neoplasms
STAT5, a transcription factor in the JAK-STAT pathway, plays a major role in differentiation and function of hematopoietic cells. Various hematopoietic neoplasms have been associated with persistent activation of STAT5 as a negative prognostic marker, but many questions of its role remain unanswered. To dissect the role of STAT5 signaling in hematopoietic lineage formation and transformation we investigate the effect of an oncogenic variant of STAT5 specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells in newly generated and unpublished transgenic mouse models.
Furthermore, haploinsufficient loss of tumor suppressors or oncogene activation are common in many hematopoietic cancers. Thus, to mimic hematopoietic disease in vivo, the combinatorial effect and phenotypic change of STAT5 with tumor suppressors or oncogenes will be studied in established compound mouse models. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of these models should give robust insight into cancer initiation and progression and serve as a future tool for therapeutic interferences.

The student will be integrated in a multidisciplinary team of cancer researchers and be closely guided by a PhD student (Barbara Maurer). The student will gain experience in flow cytometry, PCR and RNA-qPCR, western blotting, in vivo mouse work, state-of-the-art histopathology, immunohistochemistry and microscopy, hematocytometry and detailed genomic analysis (e.g. RNAseq). Participation in group meetings and progress reports of the institute will encourage the studentā€™s scientific understanding.

Requirements
We are looking for a motivated student with background in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or immunology and willingness to work with mice. Previous practical experience is advantageous. The standard working language is English.
Please send your CV, letter of motivation and contact for recommendation letters per e-mail.

Duration: 12 months incl. written Master thesis
Compensation: EUR 440,- netto/month (FWF research grant)
Start: as soon as possible
Contact: Richard Moriggl, richard.moriggl@lbicr.lbg.ac.at; Barbara Maurer (PhD student), barbara.maurer@lbicr.lbg.ac.at

Barbara Maurer
barbara.maurer@lbicr.lbg.ac.at
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research
Vienna, Austria

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