Postdoctoral Scientist For Liquid Biopsy Of Cancer

The German Cancer Re­search Center is the largest bio­medi­cal re­search insti­tu­tion in Germany. With more than 3,000 employees, we operate an exten­sive scien­tific program in the field of Cancer research.

The Division of Cancer Genome Research is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist for Liquid Biopsyof Cancer.

(Ref-No. 2024-0062)

Our division has a strong background in the analysis of genomic and epigenomic alterations in circulating DNA (cfDNA) and RNA from cancer patients (Angeles et al., 2022, 2023; Janke et al., 2022). In collaboration with partners at DKFZ, Heidelberg University and abroad, we use a broad spectrum of genomics and proteomics techno­logies to monitor tumor progression in samples from clinical studies.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a post­doctoral scientist starting in April 2024.

The division is a partner in several BMBF-funded cooperation projects investigating tumor hetero­geneity in space and time. Our role in these projects is the systematic analysis of longi­tudinal liquid biopsies (plasma) to monitor tumor hetero­geneity and sub­clonal composition over time using state-of-the-art genomic and proteomic techno­logies.

The successful candidate will use these techno­logies to identify and quantify genomic, tran­scriptomic and epigenomic changes in cfDNA samples from cancer patients. The Postdoctoral Scientist will apply panel-based ultra-deep NGS and shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS) in order to determine single nucleotide and copy number variations as well as minimal residual disease under therapy. Global epigenomic sequencing of cfDNA will be performed to identify cellular origins and hetero­geneity of the tumors. Micro­biome profiling will be applied to determine the contribution of environ­mental and life­style factors to cancer development and progression. The data will be analyzed using the fully established frame­work of pertinent bio­informatic tools.

References:

Angeles AK, Janke F, Daum AK, Reck M, Schneider MA, Thomas N, Christopoulos P, Sültmann H. Integrated circulating tumor DNA and cytokine analysis for therapy monitoring of ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma. Brit J Cancer 129(1):112-121; Apr 29. doi: 10.1038/s41416-023-02284-0, 2023

Janke F, Angeles AK, Riediger AL, Bauer S, Reck M, Schneider MA, Muley T, Thomas M, Christopoulos P, Sültmann H. Monitoring progression of ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma using DNA methylation patterns in cell free DNA. Clinical Epigenetics, 14(1):163; doi: 10.1186/s13148-022-01387-4, 2022

Angeles AK*, Christopoulos P*, Yuan Z, Bauer S, Janke F, Ogrodnik SJ, Reck M, Schlesner M, Meister M, Schneider MA, Dietz S, Stenzinger A, Thomas M, Sültmann H. Early identification of disease progression in ALK-rearranged lung cancer using circulating tumor DNA analysis. NPJ Precision Oncology, 5(1):100; DOI 10.1038/s41698-021-00239-3, 2021

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, bio­informatics or related fields
• Interest in performing translational research using state-of-the-art techno­logies
• Proclivity to apply computational biology tools; experience in machine learning and data integration approaches is a plus
• Top level command of written and spoken English
• Highly motivated team player with excellent communi­cation skills

• Interesting, versatile workplace
• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunity for inter­national networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan for the public service and capital-forming payments
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment, including parent-child room, counseling services, e.g. on Elder Care
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Important notice:
The DKFZ is subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). As a consequence, only persons who present proof of immunity against measles may work at the DKFZ.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Holger Sültmann, phone +49 (0)6221/56-5934.

The DKFZ is committed to increase the proportion of women in all areas and positions in which women are underrepresented. Qualified female applicants are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Among candidates of equal aptitude and qualifications, a person with disabilities will be given preference.

To apply for a position please use our online application portal (www.dkfz.de).

We ask for your understanding that we cannot return application documents that are sent to us by post (Deutsches Krebs­forschungs­zentrum, Personal­abteilung, Im Neuen­heimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg) and that we do not accept applications submitted via email. We apolo­gize for any inconvenience this may cause.