PhD position in ERC funded project on myeloproliferative neoplasms

9 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

RWTH Aachen

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Germany

Application Deadline

10 Apr 2024 - 23:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

To be defined

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

To be defined

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Job description

A 4-year full-time PhD position is available in our laboratory (schneiderlab.org) to identify druggable mechanisms for an improved treatment of fibrosis in chronic blood cancer. This research is funded by Dr. Schneider’s ERC Consolidator grant “Rewind MF”. Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) is an incurable blood cancer caused by mutations in hematopoietic stem cells. It belongs to a related group of blood cancers known as “BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)”. In PMF the bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous scar-like material (myelofibrosis; MF). Over time, this leads to progressive bone marrow failure and failure of the body to produce blood cells. The only potentially curative option is transplantation of healthy donor bone marrow cells (allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; allo-HSCT). However, the majority of patients are not eligible for this high-risk procedure due to age and comorbidities. 

In our recent work (Leimkühler et al. 2021; Gleitz et al. 2020; Pritchard et al. 2024; Gleitz et al. 2021; Nagai et al. 2021), we identified the long-sought fibrosis-driving cells of the bone marrow in murine and human bone marrows . We are now in the position to determine the molecular, temporal and spatial “turning point” from a myeloproliferative to a fibrotic bone marrow. 

In this PhD project, we will generate a high-resolution map of the stepwise fibrotic transformation of the bone marrow by applying cutting edge multiomic and spatial transcriptomics technologies in established murine models and patient samples. It is the central goal to identify mechanisms specific to the progression of fibrosis which will be functionally validated.

The PhD candidate will use state-of-the-art methods including genetic fate tracing, genetic murine models, bone marrow transplantation, confocal imaging and single-cell RNA methodologies with spatial resolution. Experience in molecular biology, flow cytometry, murine models and advanced cell culture is expected. Experience in biocomputational analysis is a plus. We closely work together with Professor Ivan Costa (costalab.org) in our faculty who oversees the biocomputational analysis and who will be a mentor for the PhD candidate.

Full applications should include (i) letter of interest describing research background and career goals, (ii) curriculum vitae and (iii) list of three references.

Qualification 

• A Master’s degree (MSc, MPhil) in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Nanobiology or related fields.
• Experience in molecular biology, flow cytometry, murine models and advanced cell culture is expected
• Biocomputational skills (programming in R and/or Python) 
• Demonstrated high self-motivation, organizational skills and scientific thinking in research project(s)
• Excellent oral and written English and strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Being able to present a certificate of good conduct, a valid proof of identity, diploma’s and/ or relevant registration such as BIG/ RGS are conditions for the appointment

Work environment

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s pre-eminent Universities of Excellence, which entails the highest quality in teaching and world-class research. RWTH addresses bold, scientific questions; it also assumes a profound responsibility toward society and transfers its knowledge into meaningful applications. RWTH strives for the convergence of knowledge, methods, and findings from its research fields and integrates in-depth disciplinary knowledge into interdisci-plinary research consortia represented as profile areas. The university’s dynamic, creative, and international environment encompasses efficient research networks, inter-institutional cooperations, and most of all the innovative RWTH Campus-Project which harbors one of the most extensive technology-oriented research landscapes in Europe. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appoint-ments will be made on merit.

Information on the position

Salary group TV-L (EG 13).

This position is not gender specific.

 

 

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

RWTH Aachen

Country

Germany

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://jobrxiv.org/job/rwth-aachen-27778-phd-position-in-erc-funded-project-on…

Contact

Website

https://www.schneiderlab.org

STATUS: EXPIRED