We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student or PhD student candidate at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin (UMLUB). The full-time position as a PhD- student is available for a period of three (3) years. The position is part of the project ”A tissue engineering platform for precision cancer medicine and chemosensitivity testing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma”, financed by the NCN (National Science Centre). Principal Investigator (PI) is Prof. Dr Matthias Nees.
RESEARCH PROJECT OBJECTIVES
NOTCH signalling is a crucial regulator of cell and tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, and development. Recent data also suggest an outstanding relevance of altered NOTCH signalling in initiation, progression, and metastasis of head & neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We aim to investigate the functional relevance of NOTCH receptor and ligand mutations and genetic alterations in NOTCH-associated genes for HNSCC. Specifically, we will validate how altered NOTCH signalling affects tumour-host interactions with stromal fibroblasts, blood vessels, endothelial cells and immune cell populations (immuno-oncology), and how NOTCH signalling may regulate the growth, proliferation and invasion of cancer cells in the tumour microenvironment. The project includes international collaborations, mainly with the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) Heidelberg, and the Dept. of Otolaryngology; University of Heidelberg/Germany, as well as the University of Turku/Finland; and requires international research visits.
WORK TASKS
- In collaboration with collaborators, the candidate will establish and characterize 3D co-cultures and engineered tissues to mimic the complex architecture or histology of patients’ tumours.
- molecular function of NOTCH-related genes will be tested by genetic engineering of candidate target genes by siRNA, shRNA and CRISPR-cas9 technologies; exploring cis- and trans-signalling activities that may have an impact on cell-cell- and tumour-host-interactions.
- The functional impact of altered NOTCH signalling will be monitored by realtime, life cell imaging in cell- and tissue cultures by confocal microscopy. This is followed by automated image analyses, combined with artificial intelligence and deep learning. Routine techniques in molecular pathology including qRT-PCR, immune fluorescence and protein biochemistry will be applied.
- Attending courses and research visits will train the candidate how to generate and analyse scientific data, using applications from statistics, bioinformatics, and systems biology. The candidate will publish the findings in the form of manuscripts, posters and oral presentation, for example in our internal biweekly meetings, the department’s monthly meetings, national and international scientific conferences.
- The PhD student will work in close collaboration with one Postdoctoral fellow, a second PhD student, graduate students, the PI, and colleagues from associated research groups. This position requires excellent skills with molecular cloning and genetic engineering techniques, combined with an open personality and good social skills in a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary research environment.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- MSc-degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering or Biomedicine (or related fields).
- PhD student status at the start and during participation in the project / readiness to undertake training at the Doctoral School of the Medical University of Lublin
- Good practical and theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and genetics.
- Applicants should have prior hands-on experience in genetic engineering (CRISPR-cas9, siRNA, vector systems etc.) and analyses (PCR, DNA sequencing). Experience in confocal microscopy and especially in organotypic cell cultures will be considered an asset.
- A strong interest in molecular mechanisms, cell signalling, systems biology, cancer initiation and progression will be expected, ideally combined with great enthusiasm for research.
- active participation in student scientific groups, workshops, and conferences.
- Fluency in spoken and written English. The working language in the laboratory is English.
- Publications in refereed journals, any internships abroad, or proven teaching abilities will be considered as additional advantages.
THE APPLICATION MUST CONTAIN:
- a brief motivation letter outlining why you are interested in the position, your previous research projects and work experience (CV) detailing on your career goals.
- A description of your MSc thesis
- copies of all relevant diplomas, and complete list of your degrees
- complete list of conference abstracts and/or publications
- two referees (name and contact information)
- for the purpose of the recruitment process, please attach the following documents as Attachment 1
WE OFFER
Salary level 4400 PLN (scholarship) gross/month for 3 years (36 months) with an opportunity to be extended for another 1 year. An active environment and a highly motivated group
HOW TO APPLY
Please attach your application in English as one pdf file (max 15 Mb) and send it to: agnieszkastyczynska@umlub.pl
The deadline for sending the application: 12 April 2021
Planned date of resolving the competition: 20 April 2021
Planned start date of the scholarship: May/June 2021
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The best candidates will be invited for about 30 minutes job interview.
The competition may not be settled due to lack of candidates meeting the requirements.
The scholarship is granted according to REGULATIONS FOR AWARDING NCN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NCN-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS (Annex to Resolution No 25/2019 of the NCN Council).
The NCN research scholarship may be combined with other scholarships and salaries financed from NCN funds awarded under more than one research project, with the reservation that the total amount of scholarships and salaries collected may not exceed 5000 PLN per month.