Research Group Leader "Spatial Tumor Heterogeneity

Position: Junior Research Group Leader "Spatial Tumor Heterogeneity"
Abteilung: DKTK partner site Essen/Düsseldorf - Junior Research Group "Spatial Tumor Heterogeneity"
Kennziffer: 2023-0377

Das Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum ist das größte biomedizinische Forschungszentrum Deutschlands. Mit über 3.000 Beschäftigten betreiben wir ein umfangreiches wissenschaftliches Programm auf dem Gebiet der Krebsforschung. Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The DKTK is a joint initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the participating states and the DKFZ. The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen / Düsseldorf, Frankfurt / Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich and Tübingen establishes joint translational cancer research units. The DKTK promotes interdisciplinary research approaches and innovative preclinical studies, which will contribute to improved prevention, diagnosis and faster implementation of personalized therapies for cancer patients.

Ihre Aufgaben:

For the DKTK partner site Essen / Düsseldorf we are seeking a junior research group leader with a background in cancer biology and related fields (e.g. pathology, immunology). The research field should focus on the analysis of spatial and longitudinal heterogeneity of gastrointestinal tumor ecosystems, preferably pancreatobiliary cancers, at single cell resolution. Experience in developing and/or employing comprehensive tumor models to address complex tumor-host interactions is expected. Expertise in the integration of multi-omics datasets (e.g. RNA/DNA sequencing datasets with tissue imaging data) with phenotypic endpoints (tumor differentiation, therapy response patterns, etc.) is warranted. Specific experience in leveraging state-of-the-art imaging approaches (e.g. ultrahigh multiplex imaging, spatial transcriptomics) is welcome that may also enhance reverse translation approaches. The research field should also match with the profile of the DKTK partner site Essen / Düsseldorf, with a particular focus on three interconnected main research topics:

• Plasticity of cellular phenotypes
• Immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment - contributing to both tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance
• Preclinical drug discovery for clinical application

Thus, mechanistic and patient-centered research to inform and conceptualize proof-of-concept clinical trials and perform accompanying translational research including reverse translational approaches is strongly encouraged. Competitive applicants should have an exceptional track record of accomplishment, with evident future potential and commitment to translational cancer research. The group is thought to be situated in a preclinical-translational area and expected to co-operate with clinician scientists and/or companies focusing on clinical trial development and reverse translation. The DKFZ and the DKTK partner site Essen / Düsseldorf provide access to state-of-the-art core facilities. Translational research activities are supported by access to well characterized patient cohorts, high quality tumor tissue banks and excellent clinical research facilities. The DKTK junior research group leader will be employed at the DKFZ Heidelberg and located with the research group at the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen at the University Hospital Essen.

Ihr Profil:

Candidates must hold a M.Sc. as well as Ph.D. degree in pathology, immunology, molecular biology or related fields, preferentially with postdoctoral experience and have a publication record that is internationally competitive for their stage of the career. The successful candidate is expected to acquire competitive national or international third-party research funding. Applications of medical scientists as well as clinician scientists are welcome. To apply, please submit a CV, list of publications, two letters of recommendation, and a research synopsis that both summarizes current/past research accomplishments and outlines your future research plans via our online application portal.