Postdoctoral researcher in leukemia immunology: The Hematology laboratory of the GIGA Institute (University of Liège, Belgium) is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join his Translational Immunology & Leukemia team, led by Gregory Ehx. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project aimed at preventing the relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after chemotherapy.
Designation
Postdoctoral researcher
Research Area
Cancer, Immunology, Bioinformatics
Location
University of Liège, Belgium
Eligibility/Qualification
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or equivalent.
- The ideal candidates should have a strong background in cancer, immunology, or molecular biology with experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, and/or high-throughput sequencing (single and bulk RNA sequencing).
- The candidate should be motivated, have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- The candidate should be in a situation of international mobility (he/she should not have worked or lived in Belgium for more than 24 months before the start of the position).
- Good command of English, including written and spoken scientific English.
Job description
In the IP-AML research program (WEL Research Institute), we aim to understand how leukemic cells that survive chemotherapy (persisters) evade T-cell recognition and contribute to disease relapse. We will study both the landscape of MHC-I peptides presented by the persisters and the immune checkpoint molecules they express in experimental models (humanized mice and primary cell culture) and primary samples from patients. This research is based on recent collaborative publications by the principal investigator, Gregory Ehx (Immunity 2021, Genome Biology 2023, Leukemia 2024).
The objective of the project is to design novel immunotherapies to prevent relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive and common form of hematological cancer. The most promising immunotherapeutic strategies will be tested in preclinical mouse models of the disease. This research may lead to multiple patent filings and clinical trials.
- Specific duties and activities
- Lead the immune checkpoint discovery part of the project. This involves using a novel approach created in our lab, combining in vitro assays and high-throughput screening analytical methods. Preliminary work has already been performed by a PhD student.
- Perform large-scale single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses on leukemic cells from the bone marrow of patients.
- Perform bioinformatic analyses to study the expression of immunogenic MHC-I peptides and immune checkpoint molecules in bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data.
- Assist with other closely related projects in the lab.
How to apply?
Please send a cover letter describing your interests in biomedical research, your curriculum vitae with a full list of scientific publications, and at least two reference letters to Gregory Ehx (g.ehx@uliege.be). Selected candidates will be interviewed in person or online.
Last Date for Apply:
Open until filled
Additional Information:
The Translational Immunology & Leukemia team is led by Gregory Ehx. It is based in the lab of Hematology at the GIGA Institute of the University of Liege, Belgium. Physically connected to the University Hospital of Liege, our lab greatly benefits from its tight connection with the clinical service of Hematology. The collaboration with clinicians enables not only the translation of findings made in the lab into clinical trials but also advanced research on primary biological samples obtained from patients. We have also a very well-established expertise with humanized mouse models, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing (bulk and single), immunopeptidomics, and bioinformatics.
The GIGA Institute is an ultramodern research hub and training center. The Hematology Lab has been part of GIGA since its inception. We benefit greatly from collaborations with other GIGA labs and from access to the nine cutting-edge GIGA technological platforms, including Genomics, Proteomics, Imaging, Bioinformatics, and Genome Editing. Each facility is directed by a full-time manager and is equipped with state-of-the-art apparatus. The institute is 30 minutes away by bus from downtown Liege, a welcoming city with affordable housing and a vibrant cultural life.
