PhD Position: Synergizing Immune Effectors for Enhanced Type-I Interferon Therapy in MPNs (m/f/d)

The research group of Daniel Sasca offers the following PhD project:

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are blood cancers that arise from mutated hematopoietic stem cells. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is an approved treatment and works for many patients, but we still do not fully understand how its effects connect to “interferon-stimulated genes” (ISGs) and immune control of the disease.

In related work on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we identified a chromatin regulatory complex controlled by the enzymes p300 and CREBBP that suppresses ISG expression. Blocking the catalytic activity of p300/CREBBP releases this repression, enables stronger ISG activation, and reduces persistence of malignant stem/progenitor cells. A clinically active p300/CREBBP inhibitor is currently in development and is expected to enter clinical trials in late 2026.

PhD Project: Targeting p300/CREBBP to Enhance Interferon Signaling in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

This project will test how pharmacological inhibition of p300/CREBBP reshapes ISG programs in MPN and how this affects malignant stem cells and their interaction with the immune system. You will (i) characterize how p300/CREBBP inhibition changes ISG expression and stem cell states in MPN models, (ii) assess consequences for immune effector cells in the MPN context, and (iii) evaluate the therapeutic potential of combining p300/CREBBP inhibition with IFN-α to enhance disease control.

Overall, the goal is to generate mechanistic and translational insight into whether boosting interferon signaling via p300/CREBBP inhibition can be leveraged as a targeted strategy for MPN treatment.

If you are interested in this project, please select Sasca as your group preference in the IPP appcliation platform.

Are you an ambitious scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:

• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

We offer

• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community of more than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via the online form using the apply button.

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2026. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 22 & 23 June 2026.
Starting date: 1 July - 31 December 2026