PhD Student in Nanopore sequencing-based characterization of brain tumors for pre-operative diagnosis

26 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Luxembourg Institute of Health

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Luxembourg

Application Deadline

28 Feb 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Apr 2024

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

 

The Multi-omics Data Science Group is part of the Department of Cancer Research at LIH. We focus on various modalities of high-throughput molecular data obtained in cancer biology. We aim to integrate corresponding data layers to improve our understanding of cancers and drive better patient stratification and treatment. Dr. Reka Toth, the PI of the project,  has expertise in epigenetics, bioinformatics and multi-omics profiling.

Project

We are looking for a curious, agile and committed PhD student to join the NANO-SCOPE project, funded by FNR CORE.

Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are rare and heterogeneous, with gliomas having a poor prognosis. The current gold standard for diagnosis is invasive and time-consuming. Liquid biopsies, such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), are promising for less invasive and faster diagnosis. However, an accurate method for establishing a DNA methylation-based molecular diagnosis of CNS tumors before surgery is still missing. Our study aims to develop a diagnostic tool using Nanopore sequencing-based DNA methylation patterns from cfDNA to molecularly classify brain tumors before surgery, potentially improving prognosis and reducing time to diagnosis.

The project is primarily computational, with some wet laboratory components. The latter is supported by PD Dr. Katrin Frauenknecht (LNS, Luxembourg). As part of our team, we offer a vibrant multidisciplinary and multinational working environment and strong support,  fostering collaboration and innovation. The University of Luxembourg and LIH offer comprehensive training in both scientific advancements and essential soft skills.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the setting-up and implementation of the research project
• Conduct a research project with the aims of submitting a PhD thesis dissertation and obtaining a PhD degree
• Publish results in scientific journals
• Participate in training and international scientific conferences
• Disseminate results to the scientific community and the public
• Participate in laboratory activities including seminars and interaction with other teams

Funding category: Autre financement public

PHD Country: Luxembourg

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Master’s degree in the biomedical/bioinformatical field with an interest in computational biology and machine learning
Previous experience in bioinformatics, R and/or Python programming
Wet laboratory and analytical skills, and experience with next-generation or long-read sequencing is a strong asset
Scientific creativity and originality, precise perseverance, writing skills, good communication skills
Language skills: fluent command of English; knowledge of other languages of the European Union is an asset

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Luxembourg Institute of Health

Country

Luxembourg

City

Strassen

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/119708

Contact

Website

https://www.lih.lu/fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED