Scholarship Holder at the Department of Translational Oncology (f/m)

Description

Offer Description: Medical University of Gdańsk is looking for a candidate for the position of: Scholarship Holder at the Department of Translational Oncology (f/m) The successful candidate will participate in the implementation of a research project funded under the FIRST TEAM FENG programme of the FOUNDATION FOR POLISH SCIENCE entitled "Innovative dynamic_DCIS_device mimicking the dynamic architecture of ductal carcinoma in situ invasion and identification of molecular components involved in this process", led by Dr Paulina Nastały PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project focuses on ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), whose detection has increased significantly due to the widespread use of screening mammography. DCIS currently accounts for approximately 20-30% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Although it is generally associated with a good prognosis, some patients experience disease recurrence or progression to invasive disease. More effective detection of DCIS with microinvasion and identification of cases with a high potential for progression also remain growing clinical challenges. The aim of the project is to develop an innovative in vitro model enabling the study of DCIS (micro-)invasion and the identification of molecular markers associated with a high risk of progression to invasive disease. A key element will be the development of a custom dynamic_DCIS_device , which will recreate, in a controlled manner, the architecture of the mammary duct and mechanical conditions (including cell crowding and acting forces) that influence cancer cell migration and invasion. The proposed system will enable dynamic control of the invasion process, modification of microenvironment components, and integration with state-of-the-art research technologies such as high- and super-resolution microscopy, quantitative image analysis, spatial transcriptomics, mechanobiology methods, and drug screening. The project has the potential to provide a next-generation research tool and data that may in the future support clinical decision-making in precision medicine. Within the project, the scholarship holder will carry out a Master's thesis focused on modelling the transition from DCIS to invasive breast cancer . Proposed Master's thesis topic: "Modelowanie przejścia przewodowego raka piersi in situ do inwazyjnego raka piersi" / "Modeling the Transition from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Breast Cancer" https://nastalylab.gumed.edu.pl RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PERSON APPOINTED TO THIS POSITION WILL INCLUDE: • culturing breast epithelial and cancer cells and participating in experiments on DCIS (micro-)invasion, • participating in the development and testing of the dynamic_DCIS_device platform and conducting cell migration and invasion experiments under varying microenvironmental conditions, • working with 2D and 3D models, extracellular matrix (ECM), and hydrogels, • preparing samples for fluorescence and confocal imaging and performing live-cell imaging , • participating in the analysis of how the mechanical properties of the microenvironment affect cell behaviour, • basic quantitative image analysis and processing of obtained results under the supervision of team members, • participating in team meetings and Journal Clubs and presenting progress in their work, • preparing a Master's thesis based on results obtained in the project. WE EXPECT CANDIDATES TO HAVE: • status as a first-year student of a Master's degree programme or a student of a long-cycle Master's degree programme in biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, medical biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field, • interest in cancer biology, cell biology, microscopy and/or mechanobiology, • readiness to carry out regular experimental work in the laboratory, • accuracy, independence, good work organisation, and ability to work in a team, • good command of English enabling the reading of scientific literature and communication in an international environment. DESIRABLE: • previous experien

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Source

Source: euraxess.ec.europa.eu