Post doctoral fellow
Cancer remains a formidable challenge in the medical field, primarily due to metastasis—the leading cause of cancer mortality. Even after successful treatment of primary tumors, the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) poses a significant risk. These cells, which can linger undetected in the body for years, are the culprits behind later relapses. They remain dormant for extended periods but can eventually reawaken, leading to deadly metastatic tumors. The mechanisms controlling this dormancy and subsequent reactivation are not well understood, but unraveling these mysteries is crucial for developing therapies that could significantly extend remission periods.
Current Research Focus: Deciphering DTC Biology
At the forefront of this research, our project is delving into several critical aspects of DTC behavior and potential therapeutic strategies:
One of our primary areas of investigation is understanding the transcriptional programs that govern DTC dormancy. We aim to distinguish between short-term and long-term dormancy programs. By elucidating these mechanisms, we hope to identify markers that predict the dormancy duration and potential reactivation of DTCs.
Developing therapies that can effectively target and eliminate DTCs is another crucial focus. We are exploring various survival pathways that DTCs rely on during dormancy. By identifying and targeting these pathways, we aim to devise strategies that can eradicate these cells before they reawaken and form metastases.
Postdoc’s Qualities: We are seeking the following skills/knowledge in a candidate but not limited to these: Epigenetics knowledge with previous training in CHIP, Cut&Run assays and analysis. Computational biology knowledge Cancer knowledge Molecular biology techniques Biochemical assays Cell culture 2D, 3D Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging analysis Animal studies
Contract Details
This position offers a 4-year contract, with the potential for a 2-year extension. The project is fully funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and supplemented by additional foundation grants, ensuring comprehensive support for groundbreaking research.
Understanding the biology of disseminated tumor cells is pivotal in the fight against cancer metastasis. Through our research, we aim to uncover the mechanisms of DTC dormancy and reactivation, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in cancer research and possess the necessary expertise, we invite you to join our team and contribute to this vital endeavor.
