PhD student in Cancer 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 have previously demonstrated that small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are key players in CLL by promoting the formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and PD-L1+ monocytes. Importantly we showed that sEVs are indispensable for leukemogenesis in vivo by impairing T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity. 

Objectives

As a follow-up project, the candidate will investigate the mechanisms (e.g: metabolism, mRNA translation in line with our lab expertise) by which sEV are inhibiting the anti-tumor response and promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, strategies to overcome these deleterious mechanisms will be designed and tested in vitro and in vivo.

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, Czech Republic, and Turkey. 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 PhD student will work on a Télévie-funded project that aims to identify which cells are targeted by sEV in CLL and its microenvironment, and to determine the effects of sEV on metabolism. The PhD student will be co-supervised by Dr. E. Moussay (PI) and Dr. J. Paggetti (PI). 

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.

Related references: 

• Paggetti J et al. Exosomes released by chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells induce cancer-associated fibroblast formation.Blood. 2015; 126(9):1106-17.
• Haderk et al. Tumor-derived exosomes modulate PD-L1 expression in monocytes. Science Immunology. 2017; 28;2(13).
• Gargiulo E et al. Extracellular Vesicle Secretion by Leukemia Cells In Vivo Promotes CLL Progression by Hampering Antitumor T-cell Responses. Blood Cancer Discovery. 2023;4(1):54-77

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or Immunology. Prior experience in cancer research would be an advantage, but is not mandatory.
• Experience in cell culture, PCR, Western-Blot, imaging and flow-cytometry techniques.
• Mouse  experimentation practice and FELASA diploma (or equivalent) would be considered as an asset.
• 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.

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

The applicants should submit a letter detailing their motivation and a curriculum vitaevia our website with the ref. : MC/PHD0724/TSI/EMJP. Applications will be reviewed shortly after 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.