PhD Student – Assay Development for the AHR Signature in Dermatology

Position:PhD Student – Assay Development for the AHR Signature

in Dermatology

Department: DKTK partner site Essen / Düsseldorf - Klinik für Dermatologie

Code number: 2023-0055

The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With more than 3,000 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research.

Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). At the partner site of DKTK Essen / Düsseldorf the German Cancer Research Center is offering a PhD position for assay development for AHR signature in dermatology.

The PredictAHR project utilizes existing data from the German Cancer Consortium of the tumor entities malignant melanoma, glioma, sarcoma, lung cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia and prospectively collects samples that are profiled using high-throughput methods. Our goal is to identify a reduced set of AHR activity markers that are specific to the different tumor entities and allow the development of simple assays for the clinic. Translating the transcriptional AHR signature to proteomics data will enable immunohistochemical evaluation by pathology laboratories, while extension to metabolomics data may enable translation to biological fluids such as blood and urine that can be obtained without surgical intervention. In summary, PredictAHR will investigate the predictive power of the AHR signature in various cancers and develop assays for AHR activity that can be integrated into the clinic.

Job description:

Cell culture: thaw, culture, split, freeze cells; functional in vitro analyses

Molecular biology / protein chemistry: PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, protein isolation, Western blots

Primary animal experimental research on tumor metastasis in a translational research project that also includes human experimental issues in patients with malignant melanoma

Immunohistology / immunofluorescence: paraffin / cryoembedding, preparation of slides on microtome, photography of stains on microscope, processing of images on computer

Molecular and flow cytometric study of tumors

Planning and execution of metabolomics and lipidomics measurements, among others, for the characterization of metastases of malignant melanoma

Development of new methods for the characterization of metabolites and lipids using modern multidimensional methods (e.g. LC-LC-MS)

Planning and execution of cell culture experiments

Statistical evaluation of results

Documentation and evaluation of research results as well as preparation of publications, lectures, posters

Preparation of the dissertation within the PhD project

Requirements:

University degree (Master) in chemistry, food chemistry or biochemistry of at least 8 semesters

Animal experimental experience (breeding / keeping immunodeficient and immunocompetent mouse lines) and knowledge of basic immunological and molecular biology techniques

Proficiency in complex multicolor flow cytometry experiments and cell sorting

Profound knowledge of analytical chemistry (especially in the fields of LC, GC and MS)

Knowledge of metabolite and lipid analysis as well as bioinformatics is desirable

High degree of independence, motivation and interest in the development of modern methods and their application in cancer research

We offer:

Interesting, versatile workplace

International, attractive working environment

Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure

Access to international research networks

Doctoral student payment including social benefits

Flexible working hours

Comprehensive training and mentoring program through the Helmholtz International Graduate School

Important notice:

The DKFZ is subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). As a consequence, only persons who present proof of immunity against measles may work at the DKFZ.

Earliest Possible Start Date: as soon as possible

Duration: The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation. ​​

Application Deadline: 18.03.2023

Contact:

Sabine Kaul Phone +49(0)201/723-2044

Please note that we do not accept applications submitted via email.

The DKFZ is committed to increase the proportion of women in all areas and positions in which women are underrepresented. Qualified female applicants are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Among candidates of equal aptitude and qualifications, a person with disabilities will be given preference.

To apply for a position please use our online application portal (https: // www. dkfz.de/en/stellenangebote/index.php).

We ask for your understanding that we cannot return application documents that are sent to us by post (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Personalabteilung, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg) and that we do not accept applications submitted via email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.