Job description:

The ability of neoplastic cells to attenuate the immune system and achieve immune resistance is a key step in tumorigenesis. Our research strives for the identification of new strategies for modulating immune resistance in cancer cells and translation of these results into innovative immunotherapies. We are specifically interested in the genetic repertoire required for the expression and maintenance of immune checkpoint proteins mediating resistance to CD8+ T lymphocytes. A successful candidate will apply methods of reverse genetics such as CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and RNA interference in human cancer cells to dissect the function and the regulation of immune checkpoint proteins utilizing loss-of-function screening. Some parts of the open project will be based on our recent publication on the regulation of the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 (Sreevalsan et al., EMBO Reports, 2020, e50155).

Requirements:

We are looking for a dedicated and reliable scientist holding a PhD in molecular or cell biology with practical experience in tumor biology and immunology. Candidates with experiences in handling cytotoxic T lymphocytes and loss-of-function screening will be preferred. Experience in writing scientific publications and grants is of value. Successful candidates will be working in an international environment and proficiency in written and oral English is required.

Full applications should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter (please state your research interest and your expected availability date), a PhD thesis overview, certificates and recommendation letters.