ERC-funded Postdoctoral fellow

The position is available in the recently established research group of Dr. Gaetano Gargiulo at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC, Berlin, D) and is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). We seek to recruit an ambitious and self-motivated scientist with interest in molecular mechanisms of cancer.

This ERC-funded project deals with the Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which is the most common primary brain tumor, and is currently incurable. Tumor heterogeneity and resistance to available treatments affect GBM clinical management. It is urgent to devise treatments best fitting individual patients (precision medicine) and be able to predict the patients’ response to the chosen therapy. We are approaching these problems by creating and characterizing “humanized” animal models of GBM accurately reflecting patients at molecular level and exploit these models for state-of-art genetic screens in vivo. We aim to identify molecular biomarkers for response to therapy and mechanisms of resistance.

The lab aims to pursue both fundamental and translational research. The main focus of our research program is the biology of gene expression as related to the genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional control of tumor progression and response to therapy. The group is combining advanced animal tumor models with genomic, epigenomic and computational technologies. Among others, technologies exploited are: adult stem cells genetic engineering, advanced in vivo tumor modeling, in vivo genetic screens and genome-wide/ binding/ occupancy/ expression profiling by high throughput sequencing and The Cancer Genome Atlas data mining. The postdoctoral researcher will lead the generation, characterization and the use for in vivo genetic screens by combining CRISPR/Cas9 and single cell sequencing technologies.

The MDC is a leading center for Biomedical Research in Europe (https://www.mdc-berlin.de/). As such, MDC offers an international research environment, interdisciplinary training, access to state-of-the-art technology platforms, and on-campus teaching lectures and workshops for career development.

Description:

First and foremost, the desire to make an impact in the field of Molecular Oncology in a friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated and collaborative manner.

The candidate is expected to have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology and in vivo tumor biology. Past experience with NGS data and statistical skills are desired and hands-on experience with large-scale genetic screening and/or single-cell genomics/transcriptomics is a qualifying skill. An ambitious and sound career plan is an absolute requirement.

• A recent PhD in Life Sciences.

NOTE: Applications at senior postdoc level (>2 years from PhD) will be considered for candidates with an outstanding track record.

• At least one first author high-quality peer-reviewed publication.

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English.

https://www.mdc-berlin.de/gargiulo

Maximum duration is 5-years. Initially, the successful candidate will be offered a 2-year contract. A 6-months probation period applies in compliance with the German law. Conditions for extension are simple and will be clarified during the interview.