We are hiring

The Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) for Cancer Research at the University of Würzburg is looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) (TV-L, E13, 65 %)

to investigate Aurora-A inhibitor based strategies as therapy for neuroblastoma in the junior research group "Targeting transcription-replication conflicts in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma" of Gabriele Büchel.

The newly established junior research group is located in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Biocenter of the University of Würzburg. The Biocenter is a well-renowned, interdisciplinary research facility that offers a highly dynamic environment.

Project: MYC proteins are transcription factors that bind to active promoters and promote transcriptional elongation. In neuroblastoma, a solid tumor in childhood, expression of MYCN is deregulated in high risk patients. Despite multimodal therapies the outcome of those patients is very poor showing the urgent need for new therapy options. We could show already that MYC-driven tumors are dependent on Aurora-A and are sensitive to Aurora-A inhibitors. We want to exploit combination therapies with Aurora-A inhibitors. Understanding the mechanisms how combination therapy is affecting the tumor will show new and specific vulnerabilities for improving therapy of neuroblastoma.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Master (or equivalent) degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field. The applicant should have a strong interest in cancer biology and immunology. He/She should bring experience in tissue culture and standard molecular biology techniques. The project will be partly in vivo studies therefore experience in mouse work is advantageous.

Interested candidates should submit an application including a cover letter showing their interests, expertise and motivation, their CV, transcripts and the contact information of at least two references as a single pdf file.

Successful applicants must be able to work in an international team. The student will be part of the Graduate School of Life Sciences which also offers a broad range of workshops and retreats to improve methods and skills. The position is to be filled by 1 July 2020 for a period of 3 years with possible extension. Salary will be according to the collective bargaining agreement (TV-L E 13, 65%). The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunities employer. Therefore, female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be preferred in case of adequate qualification. Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to disabled candidates.

The deadline for application is 2020-04-15. Interviews will be held as soon as possible.

Please send your application as a single pdf file to

Dr. Martin Czolbe, MSNZ

Josef-Schneider-Str. 2
97080 Würzburg, Germany

Phone: +49 931 201-56439
czolbe_m@ukw.de