logo
See all positions

VAC_90_2023_INTERCEPT-MDS_PhD student_Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus. Germany > Frankfurt

Temporary, Full-time · IJC Can Ruti
Your mission
HOST INSTITUTE:
  • Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus. Germany > Frankfurt
RESEARCH PROFILE: First Stage Researcher (R1[1])
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sept 20th, 2023
EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME: HORIZON 2020
MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE GRANT AGREEMENT NUMBER: 953407
Job Offer Title: PhD position to explore the role of the tumor microenvironment in myelodysplastic syndromes using 3D human organotypic models
Offer Description
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) “INTERCEPT-MDS – “Exploring cell-to-cell heterogeneity and exploiting epigenetic regulation for the interception of myeloid disease cells" is offering 1 PhD position, to join the laboratory of Dr. Hind Medyouf, at the Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, in Frankfurt (Germany).
INTERCEPT-MDS is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 953407. See more info about H2020 MSCA ITNs at: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/funding/marie-sklodowska-curie-innovative-training-networks-2020.
 
PhD Project 9: Exploiting 3D organotypic niche models to dissect the cellular crosstalk between niche and haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in human myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): This ongoing scientific project focuses on MDS, a heterogenous group of pre-leukemic diseases where pre-malignant stem cells show a great dependency on their surrounding niche cells (Medyouf, Cell Stem Cell, 2014; Mossner, Blood, 2016; Medyouf, Blood, 2017). The PhD candidate will dissect the molecular mechanisms and cellular interactions that underpin this dependency and leverage the gained knowledge for the rational design of innovative niche-directed therapeutic approaches that enable disease interception. To achieve this, the PhD applicant will apply cutting-edge technologies (e.g., single cell omics, CRISPR screening) in the context of a  fully human 3D organotypic bone marrow model (3D Human Organotypic Marrow Environment or 3D HOME), recently established by the Medyouf lab. The PhD candidate will initially expand the throughput and standardization of the 3DHOMEs system, two essential features that will facilitate its use as a powerful screening platform. Results obtained from the 3DHOMEs will be validated using patient samples and patient-derived xenograft models.
To broaden the expertise of the PhD candidate and support the project, two secondments (stays in collaborating laboratories within the network) will be offered as an integral part of the PhD project. The envisioned secondments for this position are at GenomeScan B.V. to gain in depth expertise in NGS analysis (Leiden, The Netherlands) and at INSERM, to perform functional CRISPR screening (Paris, France).
 
About the INTERCEPT-MDS network
INTERCEPT-MDS brings together 10 European public and private institutions in a European network of experts in leukaemia, epigenetics and single-cell approaches. The PhD candidate will have eleven counterparts at other leading European research institutions. The secondments in other European institutions within the network will provide the needed interactions to achieve research and training excellence and improve the future career perspectives of the fellow. For further information on the INTERCEPT-MDS network, including past and future events, please visit www.intercept-mds.eu.
 
Your profile
REQUIREMENTS:
Eligibility criteria and qualifications:
Applicants can be of any nationality and must fulfill the following formal criteria:
  • Not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment by the Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract/equivalent direct contract).
  • Be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers at the date of recruitment (from the date when the applicant obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate).
  • Not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
  • Have a master’s degree relevant to the chosen position or its equivalent that would entitle them to embark on a doctorate by the time they are recruited or must hold an official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies. Applications are welcome from candidates who will finish their master's studies by July first, at the latest (Please state the expected defense date in the application).
Qualifications to be considered:
  • Highly driven and self-motivated candidate with a demonstrated interest in cancer research.
  • A minimum of 1-year previous wet lab experience is required to be considered.
  • Applicants with additional background in computational biology or previous wet lab experience handling primary samples will be given priority.
  • Having a demonstrated interest in outreach activities and public engagement will be considered a plus.
  • Candidates must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Why us?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
What we offer
A highly stimulating and clinically relevant 36-month project in an interdisciplinary network of scientists, clinicians and industrial partners.As part of the ITN, the PhD fellow participates in organized training courses, networking events and expands expertise through stays in the laboratories of other ITN members. The institute is located in the heart of Frankfurt providing a very stimulating, friendly and international environment. The working language is English.
This is position is supported by a full-time employment contract. Upon completion of the funding from the INTERCEPT-MDS project (i.e. 31 December 2024), the full-time employment contract will be set according to standards at the Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus based on past working experience.
 
How to apply:
If you are interested in the position, please visit the INTERCEPT-MDS website (Apply now | INTERCEPT-MDS) and follow the application instructions. Applications must be in English and should include:
- CV
- Contact details from 2 referees (Include name, title, current position, institution, and e-mail address)
- A letter of motivation, including a statement of prior experience and specific motivation to join the advertised project (1-page maximum). Generic applications will not be considered.
- Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates (please include the transcripts to English of the academic records)
 
Selection process:
Eligible applications will be ranked on the basis of CVs and merits by a selection committee. The 3 top candidates for the position will be invited for a virtual interview where the final candidate will be selected.
Applicants with a positive evaluation but not selected will be included on a reserve list to cover eventual future positions and might be contacted at a later stage.
 
Timeline
  • Application deadline: 4 October 2023 at 14:00 (CET)
  • Virtual interviews: 1 Oct 2023 (exact date to be determined)
  • Tentative start of the fellowship: Nov 2023
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 953407.
Apply for this position
About us
What makes us different?
Our mission is to investigate the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies through innovation to cure them.
The vision of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is to be a world-class reference and excellent research multicampus that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukemia and other malignant hemopathies, through innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, talent, and professional experience.

HR Excellence
The  European  Commission awarded the IJC the  HR Excellence seal in July 2019. The IJC   continues to work to maintain its policies in line with the Charter and  Code principles.    
This recognition reflects our commitment to continuously improving our human resources policies in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
The HRS4R has the main objective of ensuring that research centers of excellence implement and respect the requirements of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for hiring researchers (from here on referred to as the Charter and Code) within their human resources policies.
This EC  initiative aims to promote training, professional development, and mobility for all European scientists. The IJC supports these values and principles, which will not only serve to strengthen its internal policies but will actively stimulate excellent research and firmly situate the organization as an institution with a stimulating working environment that favors the development of its scientists.

IJC is an equal-opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without  regard to race, color, religion, sex,   national origin, disability, and other legally protected characteristics
Apply for this position
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for your interest in IJC. Please fill out the following short form. 
Should you have difficulties with the upload of your data, please send an email to jobs.ijc@carrerasresearch.org

Please upload your CV, recent certificates, and a short cover letter (max. 20 MB in total).

Click to select multiple files or use drag-and-drop
Click to select multiple files or use drag-and-drop
Click to select multiple files or use drag-and-drop
Click to select multiple files or use drag-and-drop

Uploading document. Please wait.
Please add all mandatory information with a * to send your application.