PhD Positions, SFB 1243 Cancer Evolution, Germany (2016)

Although many mechanisms and pathways of tumor formation are known, providing efficient targeted therapies to treat cancer, the frequent emergence of resistant tumor cells and cancer relapse present an immense clinical challenge. Recent technological developments, such as high-throughput sequencing, single cell genomics and genome engineering, now open unprecedented possibilities to study cancer evolution and its molecular mechanisms. Hematologic neoplasms such as leukemias and lymphomas are well suited to study cancer evolution because intact cells can be sampled and studied in detail during disease progression.

Our Goals
In an evolutionary framework we will study different aspects of cancer evolution, in particular the poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia and indolent lymphomas, with an interdisciplinary approach. We will study the molecular mechanisms, measure the evolution of genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional heterogeneity in patients, mice and cellular systems and will use computational models to quantify relevant parameters. The close collaboration of clinicians, molecular biologists, population geneticists, computational and evolutionary biologists should result in a basic understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of tumors. With this interdisciplinary evolutionary-guided approach, our research consortium will contribute to the development of better diagnostics, predictions and ultimately treatment options for cancer patients.

We offer
The Munich-based SFB offers excellent working facilities in an international academic atmosphere in the top-ranked European institutions LMU Munich, the Technical University Munich and the Helmholtz Center Munich. Doctoral candidates will receive a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of clinical sciences, computational biology and molecular biology. For all candidates, training will be offered in state-of-the-art techniques, including genetic engineering, single cell genomics, next-generation sequencing and computational data analysis. All doctoral candidates will be members of the SFB 1243 Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG), a structured graduate program committed to providing an excellent all-round graduate education.

New Team Members
As additions to our exceptional interdisciplinary research consortium, we are looking for highly motivated next-generation researchers, who are independent thinkers, diligent workers and will be committed to advancing the project goals. Doctoral projects have an expected duration of 3-4 years. A qualifying degree in life sciences or medicine is required. Experience in molecular and cellular lab techniques as well as computational data analysis are recommended. Good command of written and spoken English is expected of all applicants.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.nature.com