Offer Description
Who are we?
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular programs that enable cancer cells to progress through the metastatic cascade. We combine in vitro cancer models, murine models, patient-derived tissue and liquid biopsy samples and study them down to the single-cell level using functional, genomic and transcriptomic methods.
In the EpiEMT project, we aim to determine whether epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can be effectively reversed using combinations of pharmacological agents, including epigenetic drugs, and whether EMT reversal also restores other cancer-cell phenotypes acquired during EMT, such as radioresistance and immune escape. We will investigate how epigenetic and translational mechanisms regulate these phenotypic states and whether this knowledge can ultimately inform therapeutic strategies targeting aggressive tumour cell populations.
What would be your key responsibilities?
The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in the microscopy, 3D phenotyping, quantitative assessment of EMT-associated phenotypes in cell lines and FFPE patients’ tumours. Establishing of the method of mesenchymal phenotype-reversal with (epigentic) drug screen in breast cancer cell lines will be further used for studying their redioresistance capacity using different radio-omics assays. In patients’ samples, identification of mesenchymal cancer cells populations of different molecular subtypes will be further studied using spatial transcriptomic to uncover heterogeneity of EMT-linked effects in clinical samples. Scope of responsibilities may be modified depending on the candidate’s individual expertise.
For effective project execution the following tasks are planned:
- Optimize drug-screen aiming at EMT-reversal in 2D/3D breast cancer cell line models
- Perform (live-cell) imaging for assessment of the efficacy and consequences of EMT reversal in 2D/3D cell line models
- Molecular characterisation of genes and pathways changes (based e.g. on RNA-Seq and functional tests) upon mesenchymal phenotype reversal in 2D/3D cell line models
- Participate in the development of quantitative image-analysis pipelines assessing cellular features in 2D/3D models and integrate it with pharmacological screens and molecular assays
- Characterize EMT activation in FFPE samples of breast tumours for spatial transcriptomic analysis using 10x Genomics
- Set-up and execution of radiomics experiments (testing e.g. DNA-damage response, cell viability, colony formation, RNA-Seq) for the assessment of radiosensitivity of breast cancer cell lines in 3D conditions after mesenchymal phenotype reversal
- Perform statistical data analysis
- Participate in the supervision of PhD students
- Present research findings at scientific conferences, project meetings, drafting and publishing manuscripts
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Medical sciences » Cancer research
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher with a strong experimental background in cancer biology, cell biology or a related field, with particular expertise in microscopy and quantitative cellular phenotyping.
The successful candidate should have:
- a PhD in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline;
- strong practical experience with 2D mammalian cell culture (experience with 3D cell culture will be considered a strong advantage);
- experience with cytotoxicity and drug-response experiments;
- strong expertise in cellular visualization with microscopy (experience with confocal microscopy will be considered a strong advantage) and immunostaining. Experience with quantitative image analysis or multivariate phenotypic analysis will be particularly valuable.
- experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as western blotting, qPCR, ELISA;
- knowledge of statistical analysis and quantitative interpretation of experimental data;
- ability to document, critically evaluate experimental results and scientific literature;
- creativity, independence and strong organisational skills;
- excellent spoken and written English;
- ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment
Specific Requirements
What do we offer?
- Full-time employment contract for the duration of the project (48 months),
- Opportunity to work on innovative translational oncology projects using cutting-edge technologies and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of pathologists, radiooncologist, radiologist, molecular biologists and biostatisticians
- Opportunities for international research exchange
- Direct supervision by experienced researchers
- A stimulating research environment that actively supports scientific and professional development
- Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to research in oncology
Application documents
Documents should be submitted via recruitment system available under the link:
Candidates should submit:
- CV, including a description of scientific experience, participation in research projects, publications, conference presentations, awards and distinctions, as well as technical skills and research methods;
- motivation letter describing relevant experience and interest in the project;
- available references/recommendations, including contact details for two referees
Candidates' applications will be assessed in accordance with the Regulations for Awarding NCN Scientific Fellowships in Research Projects Funded by the National Science Centre. Selected candidates who meet the formal and project requirements will be invited for an interview. Information regarding the interview will be sent to invited candidates by e-mail.
The candidate will be involved in conducting the project “Multi-omic profiling of epithelial-mesenchymal transition heterogeneity in breast cancer for therapeutic targeting” within the NCN OPUS30 call. More detailed description can be found under https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/listy-rankingowe/2026-06-11-kioT82zx/streszczenia/661498-pl.pdf
In case of scientific inquiries you can contact the project PI – Aleksandra Markiewicz aleksandra.markiewicz@gumed.edu.pl (https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0003-4590-4698)
Project start – October 2026 (start of the employment can be adjusted)
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Additional Information
Benefits
- additional annual remuneration
- employee holiday subsidies
- subsidies for children's holidays
- subsidies for sports, recreational, cultural, and educational activities,
- housing loans
- subsidies for sports cards
- option to join a group life insurance plan on preferential terms
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Laboratory of Translational Oncology
Country: Poland
City: Gdansk
Postal Code: 80-211
Street: Debinki 1
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