Job title:
PhD student and postdoctoral positions at the Lab of Stem Cells and Cancer
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionLaboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer- Université Libre de BruxellesOne PhD student position and one postdoctoral researcher positionThe is located on the medical campus (Erasme) of Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and is headed by Prof. Cédric Blanpain. This project will be performed in the team of Prof. Alexandra Van Keymeulen.
Our research focuses on deciphering the cell hierarchy, the cell identities and cell communications in the mammary gland, as well as the cell of origin of breast cancer, cancer progression and tumour heterogeneity. We developed new mouse lines to specifically introduce oncogenic mutations and a fluorescent reporter into the different cell types of the mammary gland. We use state of the art imaging, cellular and molecular biology techniques and transplantation experiments to study the cell fate in physiological conditions and upon oncogenic mutations, to identify the cell of origin of breast cancer, the early steps of tumorigenesis, tumour heterogeneity and cell communications.Project for the PhD student : Tumours, particularly breast cancer, are heterogeneous diseases. Besides this heterogeneity found among different tumors, heterogeneity between tumor cells within a given tumor is also observed and has important implications on diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy. The ability of cancer cells to switch phenotypes has emerged as a mode of targeted therapy evasion in various cancers. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a progressive process of plasticity whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features. In cancer, EMT has been associated with metastasis, tumor stemness and resistance to therapy. The goal of this project is to use knock mice and other models to study the consequences of interfering with EMT during breast tumorigenesis.Project for the postdoctoral researcher :
Reactivation of multipotency, cell fate change and lineage infidelity have been associated with tumor onset and is thought to be an important driver of cancer progression. The ability of cancer cells to switch phenotypes has also emerged as a mode of targeted therapy evasion in various cancers. The aim of this project is to define the mechanisms leading to oncogene-induced multipotency in mammary gland LCs and analyse the impact of the luminal cell of origin of breast cancer on the tumor outcome, with the goal of finding new potential targets for prevention or treatment and new tools for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Our hypothesis is that the change of fate observed before tumorigenesis could be an essential step of oncogene driven breast tumors on which we could act to stop tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular basis of this plasticity could contribute to new therapeutic strategies which could lead to better clinical response when combined with existing anticancer treatments.Methods: in vivo mouse models of mammary gland and breast cancer, FACS cell sorting, scRNAseq, scATACseq, 3D cultures, confocal microscopy.Skills:For the PhD student position : Master degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent, FELASA certification. High motivation, enthusiasm and scientific curiosity are mandatory. Ability to learn fast, to work independently, meticulous, good communication would be appreciated. Position to be filled on October 1st 2024.For the postdoctoral researcher position : PhD in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent, FELASA certification. High motivation, enthusiasm and scientific curiosity are mandatory. Ability to learn fast, to work independently, meticulous, good communication would be appreciated. Position immediately available.Contact: To apply, send a motivation letter, a C.V. and two references with their email address to Alexandra Van Keymeulen.RequirementsAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Université libre de Bruxelles – Laboratory of stem cells and cancer Country Belgium GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIRED
Expected salary
Location
Belgique
Job date
Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:43:32 GMT
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesineu.com) you saw this job posting.
