Postdoctoral position
TARGETING METABOLIC ADAPTATIONS IN THERAPY-RESISTANT LEUKEMIA
Location: CLIP research group, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 24 months (full-time)
Start Date: November 2025-January 2026
Financing: CHARLESTON Programme
Application deadline: May 30, 2025
Supervisors: Júlia Starková
Metabolic Study Group under the CLIP Laboratories is seeking a talented, enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team investigating metabolic reprogramming in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Despite advances in treatment, resistance to currently used therapy in childhood leukemia patients remains a major obstacle, leading to treatment failure and increased mortality. Our research has revealed that metabolic adaptations play a crucial role in therapy response, activating rescue mechanisms that compromise drug efficacy. These metabolic alterations allow leukemic cells to withstand the cytotoxic microenvironment induced by chemotherapeutic agents, thereby enabling them to survive under adverse conditions and develop resistance.
Postdoctoral fellow will lead a project investigating the metabolic landscape of leukemic cells, with particular focus on treatment-resistant clones. Integrating cutting-edge technologies including SCENITH, scRNA-seq, CyTOF-based single-cell metabolic profiling, mass-spec methods will unveil the mechanisms and changes in metabolic setup.
EXPECTED OUTPUT OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
Research will contribute to understanding leukemia metabolism and resistance mechanisms, potentially leading to more effective treatment approaches for patients who currently have limited options. This work also aims to test targeted therapy in order to reduce the long-lasting toxic side effects caused by current treatment regimens that significantly reduce the quality of life for survivors.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Biochemistry, Cellular or Molecular Biology
- Preferentially expertise in cellular metabolism and/or hematological malignancies
- Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture techniques and in vivo highly valued
- Publication record demonstrating scientific excellence
WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS
- Passionate about translational cancer research
- Proactive, motivated, and able to work independently
- Committed to the highest standards of scientific ethics
- Eager to master new methodologies
- A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills
- Dedicated to making a meaningful impact in cancer therapy
CHARLESTON ELIGIBILITY RULES
- Applicants must not be Charles University employees as of the call closing date (May 31, 2025).
- Applicants must have not resided in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
- Applicants must have successfully defended their doctoral thesis by the call closing date (May 31, 2025), but do not necessarily need to have been awarded the PhD degree at that time.
- Applicants must be no more than 8 years post-award of their (first) doctoral degree. This limit may be extended for the following reasons: maternity leave, paternity leave, compulsory national service, time spent outside of research, long-term sick leave, seeking asylum, natural disasters, or clinical training.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT DO WE OFFER
The CLIP Laboratories hold a distinguished position as a research and diagnostic center within the international pediatric hematology community. By combining cutting-edge methods with innovative research, we've established a respected position in understanding how hematological diseases develop and progress in children, and in finding better ways to treat them.
New research facilities with established methods
- Tight and unique collaboration between laboratories and clinics
- Collaborative, supportive research environment
- Opportunity to work with patient samples and PDX models
- Mentorship in advanced techniques (SCENITH, Mass cytometry, Stable isotope tracing, in vivo modelling)
- International collaborations
To apply, please send your CV, motivation letter, and contacts of 2-3 references to: @email
After an initial agreement on collaboration, the candidate and supervisor will jointly submit an application for Charleston funding