PhD-student
(TV-L E13 65% for 3 years)
to work as soon as possible on the project “Identification and evaluation of molecular targets in childhood tumors”. The focus is on the interaction of Hedgehog and Ras signaling pathways in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The project is funded by the Deutsche Krebshilfe.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a tumor of the skeletal muscle and the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. It comprises two major subtypes, i.e. alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). We recently identified activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in ERMS in both humans and mice. In addition to aberrant Hh signaling, ERMS frequently show activating mutations in the oncogene Ras. Whereas aberrant Hh signaling is associated with a worse prognosis, Ras mutations seem to be associated with better prognosis.
Based on these findings, the current project aims to elucidate the role and the potential interaction of Hh and Ras signaling pathways in ERMS. The experiments will be done in different ERMS cell lines (showing active or inactive Ras and/or Hh signaling) and in mice, in which Hh and Ras signaling pathways can be conditionally activated (i.e. Ptchfloxflox and Rasfloxflox mice). The findings will help to establish new therapies against this most common soft tissue tumor in children.
Qualifications and experience:
• you hold a master or diploma degree in natural science
• you have experience with cell culture techniques and with methods used in molecular biology
• experience with murine tumor models will be advantageous
• you are interested in aspects of signal transduction, tumor genetics and the development of new tumor therapies
• you have good IT and communication skills in English
• you are team and goal-oriented
Please send an electronic form of your application including CV; certificate of school education, diploma, master etc.; description of your lab experience; short abstract of your master or diploma work and contact details of two references as soon as possible (not later than end of November 2011) to Dr. rer. nat. Anja Uhmann (auhmann@gwdg.de), Section of Molecular Developmental Genetics at the Institute of Human Genetics (http://www.humangenetik.gwdg.de/HG/1/index.php?i=Pe&s=PersonalH).