Postdoctoral researcher - Pancreatic cancer modelling

REF: 25-011_R_MP

About the research group

The candidate will have the opportunity to work within the DNA Mismatch Repair team of the Hereditary Cancer Group (https://hereditarycancergroup.com/team/dna-mismatch-repair-laboratory/), led by Dr. Gabriel Capellá and Marta Pineda, and the Pancreas Regeneration group (https:// https://p-cmrc.cat/research/rovira-group/) led by Meritxell Rovira.
The DNA Mismatch Repair team is focused on the improvement of healthcare of patients with mismatch repair associated hereditary cancer syndromes, namely Lynch syndrome and Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD). The main research of Rovira’s group focuses on the role of ductal cells as pancreatic progenitors to develop new therapies for human diseases.
Successful candidates will join dynamic, young and well-equipped research groups with strong interactions and multidisciplinary research. Both groups offer a stimulating research atmosphere and an environment in which collaboration and exchange of ideas and techniques is actively encouraged with a strong commitment to research which provides a lively and stimulating environment for young talents.

About the role

• We are seeking an experienced Postdoctoral Researcher who will develop a project aimed at defining sequential molecular events driving early stages of mismatch repair-deficient pancreatic carcinogenesis.
• To address this issue the candidate will develop a mismatch repair deficient hPSC-based pancreatic organoid model and characterize its in vivo tumorigenic capacity in mice models.
• Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary pan-cancer syndrome caused by constitutional mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Impaired DNA repair leads to MMR-deficient tumours.
• LS is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers. Fortunately, the overall prognosis of the most common LS-associated tumours is extremely good. However, among the less frequent LS-associated tumours, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is the one showing the worse mortality. We aim to characterize early molecular events in CMMRD carcinogenesis to establish the basis for novel surveillance and prevention strategies.

Job requirements

Professional experience

• Proven experience in human genetics and molecular biology (including cancer biology)
• Proven experience in hPSC and organoid cultures, genetic editing and differentiation protocols.

Education and training

•  PhD degree in molecular/cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related discipline 

Technical & soft skills

• Advanced technical skills in hPSC and organoid culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Advanced skills in genetic editing by CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

Languages

• Good command of the English language

We will value, but not required

• Experience in next-generation sequencing analysis.
• Skills in laboratory animal experimentation and handling.
• Participation in research projects, co-authorship in publications and mobility experience will be considered valuable contributions.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• High motivation and ability to be involved in multidisciplinary teams.
• High degree of work autonomy.

What do we offer

• No. of positions: 1
• Estimated start date: 01/03/2025
• Contract duration: 3 years

• Estimated annual gross salary: it is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay ranges.

• You will be part of a multicultural team. We have a fun loving and friendly international work environment.
• Flexible working schedule - We know you have a life outside of work and we will work with you to make sure it's kept that way.
• Possibility to work some days in remote -Teleworking
• 26 working days of holiday per year
• System of accumulated hours for employees, from 88 to 104 hours depending on the year (11 to 13 working days), to attend to personal matters.
• Paid leave package
• Benefits of constant training are offered
• We offer and promote diverse and inclusive conditions. Applicants are made free from any discrimination. Specifically IDIBELL works to improve gender equality in all areas with the aim of achieving gender balance, but maintaining the most scrupulous respect to any choice at the level of gender identity. Please express yourself freely, safely and non-binarily, if that's the case.

Deadline: Please submit your application by  16/02/2025

Data protection notice

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Our institute

IDIBELL is a research center that integrates the biomedical research of the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), and the University of Barcelona in the Bellvitge Campus (UB), and the Viladecans Hospital (HV). The research focuses of IDIBELL are cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine and regenerative medicine. Research, innovation and society are the pivots on which researchers work every day in order to improve the quality of life of citizens.

Observations:

The 'HR Excellence in Research' award represents IDIBELL’s commitment to the implementation of Human Resources policies, which oversee the attracting and development of talent in an open, transparent, and based on personal merit, in alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment Researchers (Charter and Code).

IDIBELL is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the implementation of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment (OTMR).

The project leading to this labour contract has received funding from 01 September 2024 under the project code PID2023-151585OB-I00.