Postdoc Opportunity in Pediatric Leukemia Research: »Drug Discovery and Immunotherapy using pediatric AML patient derived xenografts (PDX)»

Utilizing drug, shRNA, CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas13 libraries, and state-of-the-art cellular immunotherapeutics (NK, CAR-NK, CIK, CAR-CIK, CAR-T) the project aims to establish potent drug targets, drug combinations and cellular immunotherapy that efficiently target AML in vitro and in vivo using these PDX models. Furthermore, you will maintain and expand the PDX biobank, apply gene expression and single-nucleotide variants (SNV)-based characterization and perform in silico prediction of druggable targets based on these data sources, followed by high-throughput drug testing. You will also supervise and collaborate with a research technician to ensure smooth laboratory operations. Key techniques include the use of high-throughput platforms such as drug, shRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9/13 libraries, generation of cellular immunotherapeutics, as well as cellular assays with primary murine and human cells. Flow cytometry and gene expression analysis (RNA-Seq, Western blots) will be central to the project. Drugs and immunotherapeutics that successfully eliminate AML blasts while sparing normal CD34+-HSPCs will be further explored in PDX models, and promising candidates will undergo molecular and biochemical characterization to uncover their mechanisms of action. The outcomes from this research will contribute to finding novel treatment options for this life-threatening disease.