PhD STUDENT - CELLULAR SYSTEMS GENOMICS & ENDOTHELIAL PATHOBIOLOGY AND MICROENVIRONMENT
Requirements
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is recruiting a PhD student to work on the computational analysis of research projects that investigate the tumor microenvironment in prostate cancers. Her/his work will be based on the development and application of new computational approaches for the analysis and integration of single-cell and spatial genomics data in the context of cancer and immunology.
The ideal candidate has a background in computational biology with knowledge of data science and machine learning. Previous experience in single-cell and/or spatial genomics is desirable, but not essential.
Specific requirements are the following:
- MSc in Computational Biology, Genomics, Data Science or similar. Any scientific background is considered, especially quantitative fields, such as mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering are highly appreciated.
- Programming skills are required in R and/or Python.
- A high level of motivation and interest in research.
- Any research/work experience is considered.
- Good communication skills.
- Being open-minded, flexible, and collaborative.
- Fluent in English.
What we offer
- A 3-years funded PhD position.
- Be part of a young, collaborative, and international work environment with cutting edge technologies and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, including experts in medicine, biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
- Have real insights of a wet lab,
- Combines discussions with the Mereu and Graupera team members.
- Core facilities of the IJC include the genomics, proteomics and the single-cell unit, which is equipped with the Chromium Controller to perform the single-cell analysis.
- Access to storage and distribution of data with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.
- Exciting and innovative research projects in the field of single-cell and spatial genomics.
- The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Additional Information
Research Description
We propose a co-supervised PhD in which the candidate will have the opportunity to build her/his professional skills at the intersection of distinct fields: computational biology, single-cell genomics, immunology and cancer biology with a special focus of Prostate cancer. Her/his will learn how to analyze complex datasets and critically give a biological interpretation that can be relevant for understanding pathological mechanisms underlying prostate cancers. The work will have a strong clinical impact on patient stratification and future personalized medicine. She/he will work in combination with other PhD students/Postdoc and other professionals with several backgrounds, such as mathematics, engineering, genetics, biochemistry, biology etc. This position is fully funded by the Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation.
The PhD candidate will be jointly supervised by two group leaders of the IJC:
Dr. Elisabetta Mereu is the Group Leader of the new Cellular Systems Genomics Lab
The main goal of the Cellular Systems Genomics Lab is to define the spatial-temporal organization of complex tissues in health and disease, particularly inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. We are interested in studying the different aspects of inflammation at cellular and tissue level as well as its resolution. We study the immune system and how it changes and interacts with the host tissue, when it is challenged by natural perturbations, such as disease and aging. To address these questions, we adopt a single-cell perspective, enabling the fine-grained and spatially resolved molecular profiling of tissues. We provide computational methods and develop new machine learning open source tools in order to unlock key regulatory mechanisms hidden in large-scale multi-omics datasets. The group has national and international collaborations and it is part of the ambitious Human Cell Atlas consortium. We promote open science, diversity and support a friendly and no toxic environment.
Please also visit our group webpage: https://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/cellular-systems-genomics_169432
Dr. Mariona Graupera is the Group Leader of the Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group.
The overall aim of the Graupera lab is to understand the mechanisms that regulate the vasculature in development, homeostasis, and disease. We approach this by studying both the endothelium and the mural cell compartment. To address these questions, we use a variety of genetic mouse models, isolated cells and patients samples.
Please also visit our group webpage: https://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/endothelial-pathobiology-and-microenvironment_172106
Who we are?
Our mission is to carry out research into the basic, epidemiological, preventive, clinical and translational aspects of leukemia and other hematologic malignancies.
The vision of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is that research will identify new therapeutic targets and enable us to develop more precise and less aggressive treatments. We aspire to understand the origin and development of leukemias and other malignant hematological pathologies in order to be able to prevent them. We will work for a future in which all leukemias will be curable.
For further information, please, visit our webpage: http://www.carrerasresearch.org/en and the Josep Carreras nonprofit organization: https://www.fcarreras.org/en
The European Commission awarded the IJC the HR Excellence seal in July 2019. The IJC continues to work to maintain its policies in line with the Charter and Code principles.
The HRS4R has the main objective of ensuring that research centers of excellence implement and respect the requirements of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for hiring researchers (from here on referred to as the Charter and Code) within their human resources policies.
This EC initiative aims to promote training, professional development, and mobility for all European scientists. The IJC supports these values and principles, which will not only serve to strengthen its internal policies but will actively stimulate excellent research and firmly situate the organization as an institution with a stimulating working environment that favors the development of its scientists.
IJC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and other legally protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume and a cover letter and (incl. the contact details of two referees) to jobs@carrerasresearch.org including the reference PHD_EM_MG_64
Deadline for Applications
Please submit your application by 30/09/2021.
Original source: https://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/phd-student-cellular-systems-genomics-endothelial-pathobiology-and-microenvironment_185615