Postdoc Opportunity in Pediatric Leukemia Research: »Drug Discovery and Immunotherapy using pediatric AML patient derived xenografts (PDX)»

"Knowledge becomes health" - we are filling this motto with life every day, developing new ideas and improv-ing old-established knowledge. The University Hospital Frankfurt has existed since 1914. Our around 8,500 employees contribute with their skills and knowledge to the 33 specialist clinics, theoretical clinical institutes, and administrative departments. The close connection of health care with research and teaching, as well as a climate of collegiality, internationality, and cross-professional cooperation characterize the university hospital.

Postdoc Opportunity in Pediatric Leukemia Research: »Drug Discovery and Immunotherapy using pediatric AML patient derived xenografts (PDX)»

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
Full time (100%-E13) | limited to 2 years with possibilty of extension | Announcement number: 772-2024

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc to join our Leukemia Research Group at the Department of Pediatrics (Director: Prof. Jan-Henning Klusmann) and the Department of Experimental Pediatric Hematology & Oncology (Director: Prof. Dirk Heckl). Our joint labs are at the forefront of pediatric leukemia research, focusing on genetic and epigenetic analyses and pioneering innovative molecularly-guided therapeutic approaches.

This postdoctoral position aims for the discovery and establishment of novel therapeutic options in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on Europe's largest patient-derived xenograft (PDX) biobank for pediatric AML
For an insight into the University Hospital Frankfurt, click here .

Your role

Utilizing drug, shRNA, CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas13 libraries, and state-of-the-art cellular immunotherapeutics (NK, CAR-NK, CIK, CAR-CIK, CAR-T) the project aims to establish potent drug targets, drug combinations and cellular immunotherapy that efficiently target AML in vitro and in vivo using these PDX models.
Furthermore, you will maintain and expand the PDX biobank, apply gene expression and single-nucleotide variants (SNV)-based characterization and perform in silico prediction of druggable targets based on these data sources, followed by high-throughput drug testing.
You will also supervise and collaborate with a research technician to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
Key techniques include the use of high-throughput platforms such as drug, shRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9/13 libraries, generation of cellular immunotherapeutics, as well as cellular assays with primary murine and human cells.
Flow cytometry and gene expression analysis (RNA-Seq, Western blots) will be central to the project.
Drugs and immunotherapeutics that successfully eliminate AML blasts while sparing normal CD34+-HSPCs will be further explored in PDX models, and promising candidates will undergo molecular and biochemical characterization to uncover their mechanisms of action.
The outcomes from this research will contribute to finding novel treatment options for this life-threatening disease.

Who you are

PhD and publication record in life sciences or related field
Expertise in cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular biology
Experience with mouse handling and animal experiments (FELASA certification required)
Ability to supervise and collaborate with a technician
Proficiency in spoken and written English
A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills
Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

What we offer

Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes

Collaborative spirit : Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, training in novel cutting-edge techniques to study epigenetic mechanisms in leukemia cells, collaboration opportunities with national & international world-leading laboratories, participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University

Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)

Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks

Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays

Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.

Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development

Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Women are underrepresented in these positions at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Disabled applicants are preferred if they have the same personal and professional qualifications.

Join our team

Use the time until October 20, 2024 to apply. Please submit your online application including a possible starting date and your salary expectations. For further information regarding the position and project, please contact: c.hugenberg@kinderkrebsstiftung-frankfurt.de or Sandra Kunz via mail: sandra.kunz@ukffm.de

Apply now
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