Fully Funded PhD Position in Translational Immune-oncology in Blood Cancers

In the frame of the Research Training Group “Resolution of Inflammation” (https://www.grk-ave.de/research/) supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), a fully funded doctoral researcher (PhD) position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Hind Medyouf, at the Institute for tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus (https://georg-speyer-haus.de/en/staff/medyouf-research/), in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

The lab: Medyouf lab has a long track record and strong interest in translational research projects that explore and exploit the tumor microenvironment in blood cancers (Leukemia 2023, Cancer Discovery 2021, Leukemia, 2018; Blood, 2017; Blood, 2016; Cell Stem cell, 2014; JEM 2011; Blood 2010; Nat Med, 2007). In the frame of this project the candidate will be co-supervised and closely interact with the team of Prof. Andreas Weigert, head of the graduate school and located at the Institute of Biochemistry I (https://www.pathobiochemie1.de/research/) on the same campus.

The Institute: Georg-Speyer-Haus is an academic non-profit research institute supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Sciences and Arts of the State of Hessen. The institute is dedicated to basic and translational cancer research in the context of the tumor microenvironment and closely cooperates with the Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt University Hospital.

Project description: Recognition and clearance of phosphatidylserine (PS)-expressing apoptotic cells by efferocytosis alters the activation of phagocytes and promotes the resolution of inflammation thereby leading to the establishment of an immune suppressive environment. In acute leukemia, we found that targeting PS-recognition receptors on phagocytes, promotes protective inflammation and elicits anti-leukemic immunity (Tirado-Gonzalez, Cancer Discovery, 2021). Because impairment of apoptosis frequently occurs in therapy resistant cancers, in this project the applicant will (1) evaluate the immunological consequences of inducing alternative pro-inflammatory forms of cell death and (2) explore the in vivo therapeutic potential of combined blockade of PS-recognition receptors on phagocytes and cell-death induction using pre-clinical models of highly aggressive blood cancers. The over-arching goal is to use the gained insights to design immune-based combination treatment strategies that are tailored to specific disease contexts. The project offers a unique opportunity to mechanistically dissect immune-evasion mechanisms and uncover new vulnerabilities, using state-of-the-art multiomics approaches and functional assays applied to disease relevant models, including genetically engineered mouse models, and clinical samples for validation studies and experimentation in humanized settings.

What we offer: A clinically relevant research project with high potential for therapeutic translation in a joint effort between two inspiring international research teams (Weigert/Medyouf). The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with other researchers within and outside the RTG, including clinical partners. The laboratories have access to state-of-the-art facilities, available at GSH, the Institute of Biochemistry I, DKTK/DKFZ and EMBL. Being part of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/home) and the newly funded Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI, https://fci.health/en) offers a vibrant and highly stimulating work environment. Moreover, as part of the Research Training Group and an EMBO Young Investigator team, the doctoral researcher will have ample opportunities to participate in EMBO and RTG organized training courses, networking events and have the possibility to expand expertise through short stays in the laboratories of other EMBO/RTG members. The institutes (GSH and IBC-I) are in the heart of Frankfurt providing a very stimulating, friendly and international environment. The working language is English.

Required qualifications: We are looking for a talented, highly motivated, and dedicated candidate, with a strong interest in translational research. A solid theoretical background in cancer biology is required. Previous experience with animal work, primary cell culture and/or computational analysis will be a plus. A Master's degree is required for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.