Ph.D. GRAD. STUDENT POSITION IN CANCER RESEARCH IN BERLIN AVAILABLE

in the lab of Prof. Dr. Clemens Schmitt working on

Genetic Mechanisms of Oncogene- and Therapy-Induced Senescence in vivo

We are interested in genetic programs and mutations which impact on tumor development and sensitivity to anticancer therapies. Utilizing either transgenic mouse models that develop primary lymphomas with defined genetic lesions (by crossbreeding to knockout mice and by retroviral transfer of genes and siRNAs into established lymphoma cells or hematopoietic stem cells) or primary human lymphoma and leukemia samples, we study genetic and biochemical effects of drug responses in vivo. We are particularly interested in further elucidating the roles of defective apoptosis and senescence programs in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance with a specific emphasis on the complex contribution of the tumor microenvironment and the host immune response.

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-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Virchow Campus) 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 training. Basic Science Departments of the Humboldt-University and Free University Berlin co-advise the thesis project to fulfill the requirements for Ph.D. candidates to graduate at a Medical Faculty. Berlin provides a very international environment, excellent life quality and cultural events, and is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

REQUIREMENTS

Join our young and innovative team if you are interested in both basic science and translational approaches to dissect mechanisms of senescence and chemoresistance in vivo. You hold a Master Degree eligible for a German Ph.D., and you are familiar with most 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 vector design, inducible gene expression systems, confocal immunofluorescence, or generation of transgenics/knockout mice is preferred, but not a prerequisite. Lab communication is in English. Most importantly, you are a logically thinking, well-organized person and see yourself as a team player. Please send your CV including a list of publications and references/letters of recommendation to

Prof. Dr. Clemens A. Schmitt, M.D.Max-Delbrück-Center of Molecular Medicine andCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Campus Virchow)Hematology/OncologyAugustenburger Platz 1D-13353 BerlinGermanye-mail clemens.schmitt@charite.de 

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