Post-Doctoral Fellow in Cancer Research

Background

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent leukemia in adults. Despite recent advances in treatments, CLL remains a deadly uncurable disease. This cancer is caracterized by an accumulation of abnormal, apoptosis resistant, B lymphocytes in the blood and lymphoid organs of the patients. CLL progression is highly dependent on complex interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. We recently demonstrated that deregulation at the level of mRNA translation is an important feature of CLL, that can be targeted by specific therapy.

Objectives

This project aims to better understand the drivers of this aberant mRNA translation and to characterise these aberations in the immune cells of the leukemic microenvironment.

Training and research environment

Tumor Stroma Interactions research group is a dynamic and multinational team whose current members originate from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, UK, Indonesia, and Argentina. It belongs to the Department of Cancer Research, whose research activities focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor progression using a wide range of cutting edge technologies, including genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, as well as in vitro and in vivo imaging modalities using state-of-the art animal models for cancer research. The post-doctoral researcher will work on a FNR CORE-funded project that aims to explore the mRNA translation as a therapeutic vulnerability in CLL and its microenvironment, and will be co-supervised by Dr. E. Moussay (PI) and Dr. J. Paggetti (PI). This is a collaborative project with Dr Pierre Close (PI) from the University of Liège (GIGA, Belgium).

Recent related references: Largeot et al., Inhibition of MYC translation through targeting of the newly identified PHB-eIF4F complex as therapeutic strategy in CLL. Blood 2023 Jun 29;141(26):3166-3183
Rapino et al., Codon-specific translation reprogramming promotes resistance to targeted therapy. Nature 2018 Jun;558(7711):605-609

Researchers are supported by easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped facilities, an active seminar program as well as the possibility for close collaborations with universities and other research institutes.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Immunology. Prior experience in cancer research would be an advantage.
• Experience in cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging, flow-cytometry required. Mouse experimentation techniques would be an advantage.
  
• Excellent time management, rigor, perseverance, scientific creativity and originality, writing skills, sense of priority and ability to work with others.
  
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

More information about the group can be found here : https://tsi.lih.lu

Scientific contact
Dr. Etienne MOUSSAY PhD
6 rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé
L-1210 Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG

Gender Equality

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.

• Contract type : Fixed-term contract (CDD)
• Contract duration : 15 months
• Work hours : 40h/week
• Location : rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé 6 - 1210 Luxembourg
• Ref : MC/PDTSI0724/EM/TSI

Applications including a letter detailing your motivation and a curriculum vitae should be sent through our website.

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.