"Knowledge becomes health" - we are filling this motto with life every day, developing new ideas and improv-ing old-established knowledge. The University Hospital Frankfurt has existed since 1914. Our around 8,500 employees contribute with their skills and knowledge to the 33 specialist clinics, theoretical clinical institutes, and administrative departments. The close connection of health care with research and teaching, as well as a climate of collegiality, internationality, and cross-professional cooperation characterize the university hospital.
PhD Student – „Immunotherapeutic targeting of AML Leukemia-Initiating cells with CAR-T-cells"
Activities and responsibilities
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and challenging form of leukemia, especially in children. Despite advancements in cancer treatment, pediatric AML continues to have a poor prognosis and remains difficult to treat, particularly due to the high risk of relapse and upcoming resistance to conventional therapies. The need for innovative treatment approaches is urgent in order to improve outcomes for these young patients, and cellular immunotherapy is an attractive route to overcome current limitations of classical chemotherapy. However, current targeted (chimeric antigen receptor) cellular immunotherapies are hampered by the lack of specificity for leukemic cells, in particular the leukemia-initiating fraction. In part, this is due to the difficulties in studying this rare cell population, which have been resolved with recent advances in single-cell OMICS.
- This PhD project aims to characterize the leukemia-initiating population in pediatric AML with flow cytometry-based enrichment combined with cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics as a basis for the development of targeted CAR-T-cell immunotherapies. The project will characterize persistent AML clones during treatment and remission, which can give rise to lethal relapse, identify their cell surface profile, and design and test CAR constructs towards the development of preclinical immunotherapy testing. Noteworthy, innovative patient-derived xenograft models and the integration into the German AML study group emphasize the translational potential of the project.
- The anticipated outcomes of this research will not only deepen our understanding of the step-wise progression of pediatric AML, but will also advance the development of new therapies capable of eradicating persistent cancer cells, potentially transforming treatment options for AML.
Qualification profile
- Master’s degree in life sciences or equivalent
- Passion for discovery of novel therapy approaches and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation
- Collaborative spirit & good communication skills
- Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology, flow cytometry etc.)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.
We offer
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Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
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Collaborative spirit: Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology, flow cytometry etc.), Proficiency in spoken and written English, Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, Training in novel cutting-edge techniques to study epigenetic mechanisms in leukemia cells, Collaboration opportunities with national & international world-leading laboratories, Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
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Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
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Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
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Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
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Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.
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Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development
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Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Use the time until October 20, 2024 to apply. Please submit your online application including a possible starting date and your salary expectations. For further information regarding the position and project, please contact: email or Sandra Kunz email
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