Job description:

The goal of the project is to develop a novel strategy for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy by harnessing the unique ability of an exosome nanosystem to overcome the blood brain barrier (BBB) and deliver malformin C, a small-molecule inhibitor which specifically targets and leads to death of glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs).

GBM, the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor type in adults, is highly resistant to treatment, and has a median survival of ~15 months. This grim prognosis is largely due to two key factors: The BBB, a formidable barrier to brain delivery of drugs, including small molecules; and a sub-population of GBM stem-like cells, GSCs, which are emerging as being responsible for resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These non-specific treatments, together with a lack of known tumor-specific targets for GSCs, prevents selective eradication of malignant cells, and moreover, leads to severe adverse effects on healthy tissue. Thus, it is of utmost importance to discover new compounds that can reach the tumor and target GSCs to serve as next-generation cancer drugs.

In that respect, we will develop an innovative theranostic exosome drug-nanosystem which crosses the BBB, homes in to the tumor, and delivers malformin C. Malformin C delivered by the exosomes will specifically target GSCs and inhibit tumor growth, whilst sparing healthy cells. Real-time CT tracking of the exosomes with the gold particles will provide unprecedented data regarding biodistribution (BD), pharmacokinetics (PK) and treatment efficacy, and will also enable prediction of response to treatment at an early timepoint based on image-guided analysis of tumor accumulation.

Requirements:

The project requires a master's degree in biology or in a related field with practical experience in a research laboratory. Previous work in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, as well as willingness to work with mouse models are essential. Experience in chemistry and stem cell culture is preferable. Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment are required.