Call for Application #2017-C04 closed since July 16, 2017

RNA Splicing in Cancer

Call closed!

1 Group Leader (all genders)
2 Postdoctoral Researchers (all genders)

About BioMed X

BioMed X Innovation Center is an exciting new collaboration model at the interface between academia and industry. At our center, distinguished early career scientists recruited from all over the world are working jointly on novel pre-clinical research projects in the fields of biomedicine, molecular biology, cell biology, diagnostics, and consumer care. These interdisciplinary project teams are conducting groundbreaking biomedical research in an open innovation lab facility on the campus of the University of Heidelberg, Germany. They are working under the guidance of experienced mentors from academia and industry while expanding their scientific network and receiving entrepreneurship and leadership training.

Each BioMed X project team is sponsored by an industry partner: The sponsor of this call for application is Merck.

What we are looking for

Applications are welcome from early career scientists with an outstanding track record in the field of:

RNA Splicing in Cancer

Emerging data indicate that alterations in RNA splicing play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several molecular subtypes of cancer. Such alterations can lead to constitutive activity of oncogenes, reduced expression of tumor suppressors, or drug resistance. Merck is seeking to identify novel approaches to exploit tumor-specific RNA splicing alterations for targeted cancer therapy.

Applicants should focus their project proposals on the following objectives:

  • Exploration of novel therapeutic options to tackle RNA splicing alterations in cancer;
  • Identification and validation of potential new therapeutic target molecules;
  • Assessment of sensitivity and resistance biomarkers for patient stratification.

Experimental approaches should include new methods to investigate altered RNA splicing in cancer models. Proposals building on very original ideas supported by first experimental findings are particularly encouraged.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with typically between four and eight years of postdoctoral experience who would like to develop themselves towards a leadership career path either in academia or industry. Candidates for postdoctoral positions are expected to have several years of research experience and a certain degree of specialization in one or more relevant cutting-edge technologies.

What we offer

The research group in the above-mentioned field consists of 1 group leader, 2 postdoctoral researchers and 2 research assistants. The funding package covers personal salary, consumables, services, travels, as well as access to the core facilities of neighboring research institutions and biotechnology companies in Heidelberg.

There is flexibility over starting dates, but successful applicants are welcome to take up post starting December 1, 2017.

Application & Selection Process

Applications are to be made online at apply.bio.mx.

Only applications received before July 16, 2017 will be considered. As part of the online application procedure candidates will be required to enter detailed information about their previous work and submit a competitive project proposal.

After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day innovation boot camp in Heidelberg. The invitation includes full coverage of travel expenses, accommodation, sightseeing, and food for the entire workshop which will take place from September 11 to 15, 2017. With guidance of experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Innovation Center.

Contact

BioMed X Institute

Im Neuenheimer Feld 515
69120 Heidelberg
Germany

Phone: +49 6221 42611 0

Email: career@bio.mx


Partner: