ERC-funded post-doc in cancer research

An ERC-funded post-doc position is available for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in cancer research.

The Molecular Pediatric Oncology lab, led by PI Daniel Bexell, is working with neuroblastoma (NB), a severe childhood cancer. The overall aims are to unravel mechanisms leading to metastasis and treatment resistance of NB, and to test compounds targeting aggressive NB.

We are interested in phenotypic plasticity and NB cell states and their relation to treatment resistance, the metastatic niche, and relapse. We perform molecular and functional studies of primary and metastatic tumor cells, as well as in vitro and in vivo drug testing using 3D tumor organoids and PDXs as model systems. The lab has established and characterized multiple NB orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). These PDXs retain the genotype, phenotype, tumorigenic, and metastatic properties of the tumors from which they were derived, making them authentic models for studying and targeting NB metastasis and resistance (Braekeveldt, Cancer Res, 2018). By applying standard-of-care treatment to PDXs, we recently revealed patterns of NB chemoresistance including an immature MES-like NB phenotype linked to treatment resistance (Manas, Science Adv, 2022).

We offer an international research environment with the opportunity to develop as a researcher. The lab is committed to an inclusive environment based on mutual respect. We value a welcoming, collaborative, curious, ambitious, open, and non-hierarchical culture with focus on improving the lives for children with cancer. 

We are now looking for a post-doc to join our team. Focus will be on developing and utilizing advanced patient-derived in vivo model systems to investigate NB treatment resistance in the metastatic niche. The post-doc will lead and develop his/her own analyses and projects, and also work in close collaboration with the rest of the team members, including our bioinformatician. Tasks also include scientific writing. More information in the attached file.

Follow this link for Daniel Bexell research groups page. 

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Postdoc Scholarship: Novel Strategies to Reprogram Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are dynamic cells displaying a spectrum of states and phenotypes ranging from antitumor/immunostimulating (often termed M1-like) to protumor/immunosuppressive (also known as M2-like). Previous research has demonstrated that TAMs located in close proximity to tumor vessels (perivascular TAMs) promote vessel abnormalization and facilitate metastatic dissemination. Both published and preliminary data suggest the relevance of perivascular TAMs in human cancers, as their accumulation correlates with increased malignancy and metastasis. Moreover, pro-tumor TAMs contribute to tumor growth by inhibiting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that target tumor cells. Hence, TAMs can assume diverse and crucial roles in cancer progression. However, our understanding of how these distinct TAM phenotypes manifest remains limited. 

Over the years, Rolny and colleagues have demonstrated that reprogramming the pro-tumor phenotype of TAMs into an anti-tumor Page 2(3) phenotype represents a promising anti-cancer strategy. We have now identified a unique pathway that regulates the pro-tumor functions of TAMs, offering potential for the development of novel anti-cancer targets. The postdoctoral project will investigate downstream targets of this pathway to identify novel strategies for reprogramming TAMs in experimental models as well as patient samples.

Lund University, Faculty of Medicine hereby invites applications for a postdoctoral scholarship:

Reference number: V2024/180

Placement: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research

Scholarship period: 2 years

Preliminary start date: 1 May, 2024

Last day for applying: 2024-03-20

Supervisor/contact person: Charlotte Rolny, charlotte [dot] rolny [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se 

Full add below (pdf, 616 KB): 

Follow this link for Charlotte Rolny research groups page.

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