Postdoc position – Immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment as modulators of immunotherapy efficacy

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a postdoc position within the field of cancer immunology. The applicant must have a background in cancer biology or immunology. Prior in vivo research expertise is an advantage.

Keywords: Tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, mouse models, hypoxia, extracellular matrix, T cell suppression

The research group: The project will be carried out in the Tumor Stroma and Matrix Immunology (TSMI) group at the National Center for Cancer Immunotherapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark, a research center with a strong background in experimental and clinical cancer immunotherapy research. Many clinical immunotherapy trials are currently running at CCIT, several of which originate from our own pre-clinical research results. The TSMI group is one of five research groups at the center and is headed by Associate Professor and Lundbeck Fellow, Daniel H. Madsen. The goal of the research group is to discover molecular mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment influences immunotherapy efficacy, and to use this knowledge for the development of new therapeutic strategies for improving immunotherapy. The TSMI group is currently studying how the extracellular matrix and different cellular components of the tumor microenvironment affect the activity of tumor-infiltrating T cells. We also focus on the role of hypoxia for immunotherapy efficacy and on the discovery of new targets for improving cancer immunotherapy. The research projects are among other things based on mouse models, 3D cell culture assays, and clinical samples from cancer patients. The TSMI group is an international group currently consisting of two postdocs, three PhD students, and two Master’s students.

The research project: Cancer immunotherapy has had a major breakthrough within the last decade with the discoveries that endogenous cytotoxic T cells possess the ability to react against cancer cells and that the blocking of immunosuppressive signals can be sufficient for obtaining extremely impressive clinical results. Still, however, many cancer patients do not respond to immunotherapy. One likely reason for this is that the local T cell response in the tumor gets suppressed by immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment.
The selected candidate will work on a project within the focus area of the TSMI group. The exact research project will be defined after discussions with the applicant, taking into consideration the interests and expertise of the applicant. The project will involve methods such as mouse cancer models, 3D cell culture assays, RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, co-culture assays, cytokine profiling, and FACS-isolation of specific cell populations for functional assays.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments
• Independently plan and advance the research projects
• Collaborate with internal and external partners
• Communicate research results
• Contribute to the overall work of the group to achieve common goals. This includes discussions and strategic planning of projects within the group.
• Involvement in administrative and practical tasks required for the laboratory work to proceed optimally.

Qualifications:

• A PhD within the field of cancer biology/immunology
• Experience with relevant techniques and, preferably, with in vivo research with mice
• Fluency in English

As a person, you are a motivated researcher driven by scientific curiosity. You are capable of solving problems independently, but you also possess good team spirit and excellent communication skills.

Start date: May 1st, 2024 or after agreement.
Duration: 3 years

Application procedure:
Application deadline is February 15th, 2024.
The application should include a motivated letter of application (max. 1 page), a CV (including publication list), relevant diplomas, and contact details of at least 2 references.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Daniel H. Madsen. E-mail: [email protected] or Tel: (+45) 38686367