POSTDOC POSITION IN CANCER RESEARCH IN BERLIN

available the lab of Prof. Clemens Schmitt working on

Genetic Mechanisms of Oncogene- and Therapy-Induce Senescene in vivo

We are interested in genetic programs and mutations which impact on tumor development and sensitivity to anticancer therapies. Utilizing a transgenic mouse model, we generate primary lymphomas with defined genetic lesions by intercrossing cancer-prone transgenics to knockout mice and by retroviral gene transfer into established lymphoma cells or hematopoietic stem cells. These tumors are transplantable and undergo anticancer treatment at their natural sites. Using this tractable system, which recapitulates typical features of human Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, we study genetic and biochemical effects of oncogenic action and drug responses in vivo. We are particularly interested in the contribution of cell-autonomous and environmental components (including the host immune response) in drug-induced apoptosis and premature senescence to chemoresistance, and further focus on stemness and cellular plasticity/transdifferentiation in senescence. Our translational aims are to elucidate molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence and drug resistance in order to develop novel targeted therapies.For information in greater detail please see, for example, Schmitt-CA et al., Nature Med. (2000), Schmitt-CA et al., Cancer Cell (2002), Schmitt-CA et al., Cell (2002), Braig-M et al., Nature (2005), Bouchard-C et al., Genes Dev. (2007), and Reimann-M et al., Cancer Cell (2010); furthermore, see Schmitt-CA, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (2007), for an overview. This study group is embedded in a combined clinical and basic research campus, since its group leader is affiliated with both the Department of Hematology-Oncology at Charité-Virchow Campus (Humboldt-University) and the distinguished Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin. Moreover, we are partner in a large lymphoma-related transregional collaborative research center (SFB/TRR54), which is an excellent network for scientific interaction and technology transfer. Berlin is the scientific place to work, provides a very international environment and high life quality, and is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.REQUIREMENTS

Join our highly-motivated team if you are interested in creative approaches and novel strategies to dissect the pathways of stress-inducible cellular senescence and chemoresistance in vivo. You hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, and you are familiar with all basic techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry and histology (i.e. cloning, analyses of proteins and DNA/RNA, cell culture, and immunohistochemistry).  Expertise in genome-wide screens, RNA interference, retroviral/lentiviral vector design, inducible gene expression systems, proteomics, molecular, cellular or organismic imaging, or generation of transgenics/knockout mice is preferred. Lab communication is in English. Please send your CV including a list of publications and two references/letters of recommendation

Open from: 01/2010
Type of employment: Full Time