Karriere

The Institute of Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main conducts fundamental and translational research in pediatric cancer and the underlying signaling pathways with the aim of identifying novel targets for cancer therapy.

The main research interest of the laboratory of Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk is to investigate how ubiquitination and autophagy control cell survival and cell death in healthy conditions and cancer. Our focus is on unravelling the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of how key enzymes in the ubiquitin pathway, like E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, are deregulated in pediatric cancers. In addition, we investigate the roles of autophagy in the regulation of cell death and are interested in understanding how death receptors control cell fate. For this, we apply highly inter-disciplinary approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene inactivation, advanced mass-spectrometry and high-content imaging using pediatric cancer cell lines, patient-derived material and preclinical mouse models.

Applications are open for motivated, talented and curious MSc students (Molecular Medicine, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Biology). Potential candidates with a completed BSc degree in a relevant field and with skills in cell and molecular biology are very welcome to apply. We are looking for candidates who are highly self-motivated, creative and organized team players who will join our young, international and dynamic research team. We offer an excellent supervision by an experienced PhD student or post-doc and exciting research in well-equipped research laboratories. MSc projects (6-12 months) can start immediately or at any time point, upon mutual agreement.

For more information:

Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk
Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics
Goethe University Frankfurt

Komturstr. 3a
60528 Frankfurt am Main

Tel. 069 67866574
E-mail: s.wijk@kinderkrebsstiftung-frankfurt.de
Website: joerdjlvanwijk.de

The Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics at the Goethe-University Frankfurt promotes translational cancer research. In particular we study apoptosis signaling pathways in cancers in order to identify key molecules for the development of new cancer therapeutics and novel prognostic biomarkers.

We are seeking applications for an enthusiastic, highly motivated MSc student in the field of Molecular Medicine, Molecular Biology, Human Biology or similar. Interested candidates must have a completed BSc degree in a relevant field and currently be enrolled in a MSc course at a German University. Applicants with skills in cell and molecular biology or experience in studying apoptosis are encouraged to apply. We are seeking candidates who are highly self-motivated to join a young, international and dynamic research team. According to the student’s requirement, the position can be filled immediately or at a later time point. The current project is designed for a final MSc dissertation project (6 – 12 months of lab work).

The lab of Dr. Meike Vogler is studying the regulation of apoptosis in cancer cells. Apoptosis resistance is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Apoptosis is controlled at the mitochondria by the B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein family which facilitates the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into cytosol and the subsequent activation of caspases. BCL2, BCL-XL and MCL1 are frequently overexpressed in cancer and their role as important cellular oncogenes has been investigated in numerous studies. With the approval of Venetoclax, an anti-cancer therapeutic targeting BCL2, these BH3-mimetics have reached the clinic and are successfully used to treat leukemia.