PhD - Impact of intratumoral heterogeneity on treatment resistance and tumor relapse in glioblastoma

relapse in glioblastoma

The DNA Repair and Chemoresistance Group (DRC) headed by Dr. Eric Van Dyck at the Department of Cancer Research (DoCR) carries out fundamental and translational research on the molecular mechanisms governing DNA repair, chromatin dynamics and chemoresistance in cancer. Our main research interest resides in the identification & validation of novel strategies to improve cancer treatment, with a particular focus on gliomas. As part of a collaborative Télévie Research Project with the GIGA-Neurosciences (ULiège, Belgium) and the Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS, Luxembourg), the DRC is seeking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student.

Rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé 6A, Luxembourg L-1210, Luxembourg

Despite surgery and a combination of radio- and chemotherapy, the outcome for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains dismal. Intratumoral heterogeneity manifested by the presence of tumor cells with different properties and levels of resistance to chemoradiation poses a crucial challenge in GBM therapy. We have described a unique gene expression signature that classifies GBM specimens in two major groups displaying profound differences in proliferation as well as DNA repair and cell cycle gene expression (Cancer Res (2019) 79 (6): 1226–1238. https: // doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-18-2076). Several lines of evidence suggest that our signature should be a useful tool to interrogate intratumoral heterogeneity in GBM. The aim of the project is to better understand how spatial changes in DNA repair and cell cycle expression can be linked to tumor progression and treatment response, and examine the impact of intratumoral heterogeneity on tumor relapse. To reach this goal, an experimental strategy will be developed that combines state-of-the-art multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and proteomics approaches for the characterization of preclinical animal models and patient biopsies.

Applications including a cover letter and a curriculum vitae should be sent through our website via the apply button below. Please apply ONLINE formally through this web page. Applications by email will not be considered. All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.