Postdoctoral position in Cancer Research (m/f/d)

Universitätsklinikum Würzburg

Würzburg

EUR 60.000 - 80.000

Jobbeschreibung

Application deadline: 22/11/2024

Within a DFG funded project, the research group of Prof. Dr. Franziska Jundt at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken in Würzburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Cancer Research (m/f/d) to conduct research on the project commencing on 01.03.2025. The position is initially limited to 3 years. We offer a full-time position (100%).

We offer

A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network.
Cutting-edge research in an international team.
A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers at the Graduate School of Life Sciences at the University of Würzburg.
A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families.
A wide range of university sports activities.

Your Tasks

Contribute to the development of project direction as the project evolves.
Produce written reports and draft papers.
Present your results at local meetings and national and international conferences.
Assist with training other researchers, including Masters’ and undergraduate project students.
Contribute to maintaining a friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment within the group.

Project

Bone lesions, bone fractures, and impaired bone remodeling occur in myeloma bone disease (MBD), a debilitating skeletal condition developing in patients suffering from the plasma cell disorder multiple myeloma (MM). In MBD, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) display a shift towards adipogenic differentiation, while osteogenic differentiation is impaired. With its increased bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT), obesity is a risk factor for MM, as increased adipogenic differentiation may support tumor growth and dampen osteogenesis. Mechanical loading of bone induces mechanotransduction in MSC and osteoblasts, being a stimulus for osteogenic differentiation and bone growth. In a mouse model for MBD, we have shown that mechanical loading of a MM-bearing hindlimb is a countermeasure for tumor growth and induces bone regeneration. In this new project, we will investigate whether mice with MM and high BMAT similarly benefit from mechanical loading (2g hypergravity) and whether mechanical unloading, leading to an osteoporotic bone phenotype, is an additional risk factor in this context. We will characterize bone microarchitecture, analyze tumor growth and size, measure serum parameters, validate our results in 2D and 3D cell culture models, and correlate our findings to patient data. The following hypotheses will be addressed: in obese mice suffering from MBD, mechanical loading (a) restores the bone phenotype, (b) reduces MM tumor burden, and (c) has an altered transcriptional and epigenetic signature in bone cells. This binational project combines the complementary expertise of three French PIs (bone, mouse loading and unloading models, metabolism, epigenetics) and two German PIs (MBD/MM, mechanical loading, bone cell biology, mechanotransduction). Overall, our results will contribute to the understanding of MBD progression in compromised bone and bone marrow and the impact of mechanical up- versus un-loading in metabolically challenged conditions.

Your Profile

A PhD in Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine) or related discipline.
Extensive experience with conditional knockout or transgenic mice or mouse tumour models.
Experimental background in one or more of the following subjects is beneficial: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry.
Highly motivated individuals with an interest in joining an interdisciplinary research group (collaboration with Prof. Dr. Maura Strigini, UJM University Saint-Etienne, Prof. Regina Ebert, University Würzburg).
The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project.
English communication skills, both written and spoken.

The three-year full-time postdoctoral researcher position (100% TV-L E13) will be funded through the German Research Foundation (DFG).

This is what you can look forward to

Training and Continuing Education
Retirement Pension Plan
Flexible Working Hours
Collegiality
Sport and Fitness Options
Employee Events
Corporate Benefits

Become part of the team: Apply now!

Prof. Dr. med. Franziska Jundt
Leiterin des Bereichs Autologe Stammzelltransplantation, Leiterin des Zentrums für das Multiple Myelom
Tel: +49931 201 40983

In the case of a university degree from a non-EU country, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required.

Remuneration is in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified.

The University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW) offers an innovative and excellent working environment in cutting-edge medicine. Here, employees benefit from state-of-the-art technology, extensive training and career opportunities, as well as flexible working time models for an optimal work-life balance. We attach great importance to diversity and inclusion in order to create a respectful and supportive working environment. A strong sense of community and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to our way of working. Würzburg, a city with a high quality of life, offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities as well as excellent educational opportunities. The UKW takes responsibility for the health of society and promotes an environment that focuses on ethical values and social commitment. Become part of our team and help shape the future of medicine.