postdocs

Master thesis (m/f/d)

Characterization of immune cell infiltration in 3D tumor organoid models.

As part of a BMBF funded project, a position for a master thesis is available at in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology at Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf.

We are looking for a highly talented and enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in human cell culture and a high motivation in cancer biology and anti-cancer drug discovery. The candidate will work closely with a team of experienced PhD students and postdocs. Furthermore, within this project we are collaborating with partners from industry.

Background and job description
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common neoplastic disease of the pancreas and the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Thus, the development of new targeted therapies is urgently needed. The objective of this project is to characterize the infiltration and polarization of primary immune cells in a human 3D PDAC co-culture model platform
with integrated blood vessels to identify new personalized therapeutic approaches.

Aims of this master thesis in detail:
• Perfusion of fibrotic 3D PDAC models with human primary peripheral blood cells to determine the influence of e.g. infiltrated tumor-associated macrophages on viability and growth behavior of the tumor organoids as well as the influence of the epithelial/mesenchymal differentiation status, a key step in metastasis.
• Exploring effects of drug candidates to restore the proliferation and activation of T cells within the tumor model.

Qualifications
Profound experience in human cell culture is mandatory, practical expertise with primary cells is a plus, FACS, imaging techniques and molecular biology methods are a clear benefit. Motivation and effective time management is expected.

If you are interested in this exciting project we look forward to receive your application as a single PDF file to nicole.teusch[at]hhu.de .

Applications should include a short letter of motivation, a CV, as well as the grade certificates from the bachelor and the master courses of study.