51260
We are looking for a motivated PhD student in order to reinforce our research team.
Our research group is part of the interdisciplinary pediatric research center of the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital (Ludwig-Maximilian’s University), the main center for the hospital’s intensive clinical and basic research. Focus of the pediatric surgery research laboratories within the research center is on basic sciences of oncological research. In essence, we investigate the genetic and biological makeup and interaction of childhood cancers with the goal to establish new and innovative treatment strategies. The team works very closely with a multitude of clinical and basic science researchers and clinicians within the University’s Children’s Hospital.
We offer a full PhD position with an initial contract for a period of 2 years which will be prolonged depending on the candidates individual perspectives and wishes as well as the scientific progress. We offer the posibility for the candidate to spend extra time in a laboratory in a foreign country, preferably the USA, in order to increase the input in our lab. Also, we support the candidate for travel to international conferences relevant to our field.
The project offered here bases in the characterization of entirely novel approaches for anti-tumor strategies against childhood cancer. We will investigate how targeted therapy of defined receptors with small molecules causes inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in order to provoke and thereby induce apoptosis of cancer stem cells. Especial focus is laid on tumors that overexpress the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, for example, due to a genetic mutation. This includes all but is not limited to embryonic solid childhood tumors such as neuroblastoma, the hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, nephroblastoma, as well as the infantile and the adult hepatocellular carcinoma.
Munich offers an attractive network of scientific research institutions, in particular the research network of the Ludwig-Maximilian’s University. International applicants are especially welcome, and while proficiency of the German language is desired, it is not mandatory for this position. If German is not the applicant’s first language, however, outstanding proficiency of the English language both at day-to-day level communication as well as scientifically is obligatory.
Please sent us your application exclusively by email no later than 31/05/2013.
Start date of the position: as soon as possible.
Salary: E13 / 2
The ideal candidate should provide:
Essential:
The ability to quickly learn within a multidisciplinary team
Enthusiasm for oncology research
Bachelor / Master or Diploma in the field of biological / medical research
Experience with the cultivation of cells and in molecular biology
A good knowledge of current cancer biology
High attention to detail
The ability to communicate clearly, comprehensibly and objectively
A flexible and collaborative way of working
English language skills are required
Preference:
Experience with animal models
Experience with cancer stem cells ("Cancer stem cells")
Experience with the Wnt / beta-catenin signaling pathway and / or the hedgehog pathway
The University’s Medical Center of Munich aims in the areas in which women are under-represented to increase the proportion of women and encourages qualified female candidates to apply. Handicapped applicants / candidates will be preferred in case of equal qualification.
(im Bereich Forschung & Entwicklung)
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