Post-doctoral position in Cancer Metabolism Research

Background

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent leukemia in adults. Despite recent advances in treatments, CLL remains a deadly uncurable disease. This cancer is caracterized by an accumulation of abnormal, apoptosis resistant, B lymphocytes in the blood and lymphoid organs of the patients. CLL progression is highly dependent on complex interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. We demonstrated that dysregulated One carbon metabolism is an important feature of CLL, that can be efficiently targeted by new first-in-class MTHFD1 inhibitor. 

Objectives 

This project aims to identify key metabolic features involved in sensitivity/resistance to this new MTHFD1 inhibitor and use these intrisic cellular charecteristics to develop novel therapeutic strategies. 

Training and research environment

Tumor Stroma Interactions research group is a dynamic and multinational team whose current members originate from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, UK, and Czech Republic. It belongs to the Department of Cancer Research, whose research activities focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor progression using a wide range of cutting edge technologies, including genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, as well as in vitro and in vivo imaging modalities using state-of-the art animal models for cancer research. The post-doctoral researcher will work on a TELEVIE-funded project that aims to explore MTHFD1 inhibition as novel therapy in B-cell malignancies, and will be co-supervised by Dr. J. Paggetti (PI) and Dr. E. Moussay (PI). This project will be conducted in close collaboration with Dr. J. Meiser (Cancer Metabolism Group, DoCR, LIH) and Pr. T. Helleday groups (Karolinska Intitutet, Sweden).

Recent related references: 

Bonagas, N. et al. Pharmacological targeting of MTHFD2 suppresses acute myeloid leukemia by inducing thymidine depletion and replication stress. Nat Cancer 2022, 3:156-172.

Green, A. C. et al. Formate overflow drives toxic folate trapping in MTHFD1 inhibited cancer cells. Nat Metab 2023, 5:642-659.

Researchers are supported by easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped facilities, an active seminar program as well as the possibility for close collaborations with universities and other research institutes.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Immunology. Prior experience in cancer research or cancer metabolism would be an advantage.
• Experience in cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging, flow-cytometry required. 
• Excellent time management, rigor, perseverance, scientific creativity and originality, writing skills, sense of priority and ability to work with others.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

Scientific contact

Dr. Jérôme PAGGETTI PhD 

6 rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé 

L-1210 Luxembourg 

LUXEMBOURG

More information about the group can be found here : https://tsi.lih.lu

Located in Luxembourg, LIH offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, international and multilingual environment that values personal respect and professional achievement based on the highest intellectual and ethical standards. 

The applicants should submit a letter detailing their motivation and a curriculum vitae via our website with the ref.: MC/PDTSI/0724/EMJP. Applications will be reviewed directly upon receipt.

Gender Equality

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.