Join our research
Do you want to become part of our team?
The Aging and Cancer lab is always on the look for interested candidates that share our passion for aging and cancer research.
Open positions
PhD position
Tumor Immunology and Aging – investigate the role of aged myeloid cells in tumorigenesis and immune evasion
Are you passionate about tumor immunology? Do you want to lead the way in understanding how the aging microenvironment undermines tumor surveillance and drives cancer progression?
The Aging and Cancer Lab at the Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona, Spain, headed by Dr. Mate Maus is awaiting application from ambitious students for a PhD position to investigate the role of metabolically aged myeloid cells (macrophages and dendritic cells) in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis in the senescent tissue microenvironment. Join our pioneering team and make a lasting impact on cancer prevention and treatment.
About the Project
Our lab investigates how the aging process, particularly the metabolic aging of the tissue microenvironment, contributes to the failure of anti-tumor immunity and cancer development. In this project, you will:
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Study myeloid cells (macrophages, dendritic cells) in aged tissues such as the bone marrow, liver, and colon, and how they communicate with precancerous cells and adaptive immune cells.
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Explore how aging and cytotoxic therapies reshape the metabolism of resident and monocyte-derived myeloid cells, fostering immune evasion, tumorigenesis, and selection of precancerous clones.
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Employ state-of-the-art tools, including single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, CRISPR/Cas9, and in vitro co-culture systems to reverse metabolic changes that drive immune evasion.
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Work with mouse models of cancer and primary human samples to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical oncology.
Why This Opportunity?
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Contribute to high-impact research with direct implications for cancer prevention and immunotherapy.
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Join a dynamic, international research group at the intersection of tumor immunology, oncology, and aging science.
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Work on cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that push the boundaries of translational research.
What We Offer
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A supportive and diverse environment, where English is the working language.
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Collaboration with top researchers in cancer immunology, preclinical and clinical oncology, and aging research.
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Access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work on a project with high visibility in the scientific community.
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Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at leading international conferences.
The ideal candidate:
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Meets the eligibility criteria as described in the application guidelines.
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Has a background in immunology, tumor immunology, or cancer metabolism.
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Must have prior experience in wet lab work; experience with in vivo mouse models is a plus.
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Experience with bioinformatics is an advantage.
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Speaks excellent English, is a creative thinker, thrives in a highly interdisciplinary and multicultural environment, works well in teams, is independent, curious, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients.
For more information or inquiries, please contact us at matemaus@vhio.net
Application guidelines: https://vhio.net/vhio-phd-opportunities-2024-2/
Where we are
The Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology
The Aging and Cancer lab is located at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona, Spain. VHIO is pioneering the field of translational cancer research and precision oncology.
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Barcelona
The good weather, the beach and the food are only some of the things that will make you enjoy Barcelona. You can go to explore the city and find its famous modernist buildings, or even make new friends to go to a calçotada with!