We are looking for an enthusiast starting postdoctoral researcher to work on transcription control in different cell types of prostate cancer. The candidate has a PhD in biochemistry/biotechnology, biomedical sciences, cell biology, bio-engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or related disciplines. The ideal candidate has:
1. broad knowledge of molecular oncology, cell biology and transcription control mechanisms is needed.
2. ability to meet timelines and work accurately.
3. a problem solving attitude to work and critical analytical thinking.
4. strong communication skills to fit in our multidisciplinary team.
5. proficiency in English speaking and writing.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate to start a postdoctoral trajectory in the study of transcriptional control by anti-androgens through single cell multiome analyses (scRNA-seq + scATAC-seq). These data are currently being generated and will need to be integrated with the other available data. Bio-informatic support is available but needs input from a molecular biologist with knowledge on oncology, cell biology and transcription control. Further wet lab validations will need to be developed. The specific focus here are the different cell types that are present in localized high risk prostate cancer: how is the androgen receptor affecting transcription, which are the cell type-specific cofactors and how is AR cooperating with these factors at the level of the DNA and the chromatin. You will participate in lab meetings, seminars and journal clubs, and support the PIs in supervising PhD and master students.Our group investigates the androgen receptor as a transcription factor, with clinical relevance in general endocrinology as well as prostate cancer treatments. To this end, we developed crystal structures of AR domains, cell line and mouse models, as well as collections of clinical samples.This specific project is a collaboration between Frank Claessens, a molecular biologist, and Steven Joniau, a clinical urologist.Steven Joniau supervises a clinical study called ARNEO to study possible benefits of neoadjuvant treatments for patients with localized, high risk prostate cancer (meaning a 30% change of developing metastases). Treatments were either androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or ADT+anti-androgens (apalutamide). We collected serum, urine as well as prostate cancer biopsies (including lymph node metastases) from before and after treatment. Detailed pathological data have been collected. Bulk RNA-seq and bulk ATAC-seq of the biopsies are available. Clinical follow up of patients is > 3 years and increasing.We are generating spatial and single cell transcriptome data from before and after treatment.We have funding available for three years, including salary, bench fee and some technical support.You will have access to the state-of-the-art platforms at our biomedical campus. We have technology available for generating cell lines, mouse models, and molecular biology methodologies to study transcription and chromatin. You will work in the Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory at the Biomedical Campus Gasthuisberg in close collaboration with other molecular biologists and clinical researchers.There is a possibility for limited involvement in teaching biomedical sciences students.Located in Leuven, a small but vibrant international town where history meets cutting-edge science, we are also close to the cosmopolitan city of Brussels, the heart of Europe. We are part of the University of Leuven, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities of Europe. Founded in 1425, it is Belgium’s largest university, currently featuring among the best universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education and recently ranked as Europe’s most innovative university.