Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div) in Cancer Biology

We are an international team of scientists from more than 30 nations who have made it their task to investigate the funda­mental physical and bio­chemical processes in cells at the molecular level. More information can be found on our home­page https://www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/en .

Chemical Genomics Centre

The Chemical Genomics Centre was founded by the Max Planck Society in cooperation with several pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies to promote collaboration between science and industry as the key to innovative scientific research.

The Imig group at the Chemical Genomics Centre, which is part of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, is looking for a

Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div) in Cancer Biology

Job description: We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic team and contribute and finalize an ongoing project aimed at unraveling the intricate connections between a non-canonical RNA binding protein and cancer metabolism. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in evaluating the interactions of a specific glycolytic non-canonical RNA binding protein with its target RNAs in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival and growth. Additionally, the researcher will investigate how this interaction influences cancer metabolism in AML cell lines.

Key responsibilities: As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead advancements in understanding non-canonical RNA binding proteins in cancer metabolism. Your duties encompass:

• executing cell culture experiments and leveraging expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, and gene expression to explore interactions between the non-canonical RNA binding protein and its target RNAs
• designing and conducting experiments to illuminate broader implications of these interactions in cancer metabolism
• collaboratively analyzing findings, shaping experimental strategies, and ensuring timely project milestones
• owning literature analysis, experiment design, execution, analysis, and manuscript creation
• independently exploring innovative project avenues, showcasing scientific creativity and originality
• demonstrating exceptional time management, rigor, and perseverance in a fast-paced research environment

Qualifications and skills:

• a recent Ph.D. in relevant fields like molecular biology, cancer biology, or bio­chemistry
• proficiency in key techniques: cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology (cloning, virus design, gene expression), and lab practices
• desirable familiarity with leukemia cell lines, enhancing your project contributions
• strong English fluency for global communication and collaboration
• proven ability to independently conduct literature analysis, design experiments, execute protocols, analyze data, and draft manuscripts
• outstanding time management, scientific rigor, priority awareness, and interpersonal skills
• proficiency in scientific writing for manuscript preparation and peer-reviewed journal submissions
• prior experience in functional genomics, leukemia, RNA biology
• familiarity with bioinformatics and NextGen sequencing for complex data analysis
• proficiency in CRISPR technology for designing genetically modified cell lines
• background in cancer metabolism to contextualize findings within oncology

The position start is upon immediately and can be part time or full time. The employment takes place within the scope of a parental leave replacement. Financial compensation will be carried out according to the public service remuneration scheme TVöD.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity within its workforce. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Jochen Imig ([email protected]) in digital form (e.g. as PDF) and Dr. Sama Shamloo ([email protected]). In your application, include a cover letter, recent CV, copies of your certificates, and two to three reference letters. Please submit all documents in a single application until October 15th, 2023. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the early fall until the position is filled.