Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanisms of Cancer Evolution

„Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution (headed by Prof. Dr. Duncan Odom) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking a

Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanisms of Cancer Evolution

Reference number: 2024-0230

LAB PHILOSOPHY. The Odom labo­ratory uses cutting-edge experimental genomics tools – including spatial transcriptomics, nanopore and other long-read sequencing, and cell multiomics – to explore mutagenesis, cancer initiation, and development. We pursue an integrative and collaborative approach, working closely with allied computational research groups across Heidelberg.

For more information on Odom laboratory research, please see:
www.scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=I4QxyoQAAAAJ

Your Tasks:

PROJECT ON OFFER. We are specifically seeking a candidate to lead a team of advanced technicians to undertake a large-scale, prospective analysis of how sex shapes muta­genesis and cancer inception.This project builds on our pioneering development of chemical carcinogens as a powerful strategy to analyze cancer inception in mice (Connor et al J Hepatology 2018). Early work using this system revealed a novel mechanism of cancer formation known as lesion segregation (Aitken et al Nature 2020) and dissected the interplay of repair and damage at single-strand resolution (Anderson et al Nature 2024). This project will create and analyze cancer genomes formed in female mice, as well as exploit the four core genotypes model to decouple the influence of hormones and sex chromosomes (Panten et al Nature Comms 2024). By using cutting-edge spatial mapping of single-cell transcriptomes, we will analyze how the sex-specific micro­environment shapes tumorigenesis. 

DUTIES. This project will require strong and collaborative leadership to organize Odom laboratory technicians and computational collaborators (and potentially clinical partners) into an effective research team. The post holder will be responsible for project management, method development and optimization, collection and analysis of novel and large genomic datasets. The training we provide in this multi-disciplinary team environment is uniquely well-suited to nurturing scientific independence, leadership, and maturity. 

Your Profile:

DESIRED CANDIDATE. We are seeking an experimentally-focused postdoctoral research fellow with extensive molecular biology and genomics expertise to join our efforts, who is collaborative, ambitious, meticulous, scientifically adventurous, and curiosity-driven. Prior research experience in single-cell methods, transcriptional regulation, cancer genomics, epigenetics, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, and/or comparative genomics would be advantageous; we also encourage applications from accomplished graduate students seeking to switch research fields.

We Offer:

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Duncan Odom
Telefon: +49 6221 42-3446

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Apply now

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.