Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Cancer Microbiome through the NORPOD Program

Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Cancer Microbiome through the NORPOD Program

University of Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

This project aims to identify the spatial genetic and adaptive dynamics of tumour microbiome in colorectal cancer. To do so, we will integrate single-cell genomics, transcriptomics and clinical data using unique novel mouse models, spatial technologies and analytical methods.

FIMM is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Najumudeen lab, in collaboration with Chinmey Dwibedi’s group at MIMS, Umeå, through the NORPOD program.

Summary of the project

The post-doctoral project aims to uncover genetic and adaptive mechanisms of the tumour associated microbiome in colon cancer (CRC) and its metastasis to distant organs. The goal is to identify microbial strain specific differences in CRC-associated strains using matched oral, normal and tumour samples and their clinical impact. The aim is to validate these CRC-associated strains using state-of-the-art organoid cultures and novel in vivo mouse models to assess their influence on tumor growth and metabolic rewiring in driving CRC. Finally, we will move beyond correlations to identify functional microbial changes with comparative microbial genomics, indels and SNPs. Our groups have relevant expertise in the above technologies, for example Rafa lab’s expertise in in vivo cancer biology, mouse and organoid models and Dwibedi lab’s expertise in human microbiome genomics and microbial adaptive evolution.

Tasks

The tasks will include one or more of the following:

• Characterization and gene editing of cancer organoid cultures
• Use of genetically engineered mouse models to understand microbial adaptations
• Analyzing the cancer microbiome from clinical patient samples
• Computational analysis and integration of functional microbial genomics datasets from next-generation sequencing methods.
• Supervision and teaching of students and technicians in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.
• Writing own grant applications

Skills, expertise and/or qualifications

• A PhD degree in any relevant field of life sciences
• Successfully completed PhD with documented publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Documented research experience in one or more of the following fields: cell or cancer biology, functional genomics and/or transcriptomics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Ability to work independently as well as operating as a team player in multi-disciplinary projects is a must, and willingness to supervise students and staff is important. Prior experience in the following is considered a plus: 3D organoid cultures, any experience with in vivo mouse models, knowledge about analysis of omics datasets and relevant programming languages (Python, Perl, R). A good understanding of molecular biology, genomics experiments and bioinformatics is expected. Candidates with proven track record in terms of publications will be given preference.

Apply NowDeadline 15 August