Post-Doctoral Fellow in single cell proteomics

Background. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly heterogeneous and dynamic ecosystem that significantly influences cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. Traditional bulk proteomic analyses often obscure the intricate cellular and molecular variations within this complex environment. Single-cell proteomics (SCP) offers a novel approach to dissect this heterogeneity by providing protein-level insights into individual cells. This powerful technique is crucial for thoroughly characterizing changes in the TME's surface proteome and identifying essential components of the ubiquitin system that drive its dynamic interactions.  

Objectives. The post-doctoral fellow will work on the development of a robust detection pipeline for sub-single-cell proteomics.

Training and research environment. The proteomics of cellular signaling group is highly international, with members from France, Portugal, the USA, Brazil, Estonia, Germany, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Spain. The group is part of the Department of Infection and Immunity, and its research focuses on regulation by post-translational modifications and changes in the protein-protein interactome using mass spectrometry-based techniques. The post-doctoral researcher will work on an NWO/FNR-funded project. The project is a close collaboration with the laboratory of Alfred Vertegaal (Leiden University, Netherlands) and Anna Alemany (Leiden University, Netherlands).

Recent related references: Kroonen JS, de Graaf IJ, Kumar S, et al. Inhibition of SUMOylation enhances DNA hypomethylating drug efficacy to reduce outgrowth of hematopoietic malignancies. Leukemia. 2023;37(4):864-876. Kumar S, Schoonderwoerd MJA, Kroonen JS, et al. Targeting pancreatic cancer by TAK-981: a SUMOylation inhibitor that activates the immune system and blocks cancer cell cycle progression in a preclinical model. Gut. 2022;71(11). Lesur A, Schmit PO, Bernardin F, et al. Highly Multiplexed Targeted Proteomics Acquisition on a TIMS-QTOF. Anal Chem. 2021;93(3)

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Chemistry.
• Mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Data analysis of large proteomics datasets.
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology.
• Biochemical purification of proteins.
• Languages skills: fluent command of English; knowledge of another language of the European Union is an asset.

Researchers are supported by easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped facilities, an active seminar program, and opportunities for conference attendance and collaboration with other research organisations.

Scientific contact
Prof Dr Gunnar Dittmar
gunnar.dittmar@lih.lu

More information about the groups can be found here: https://signaling.lih.lu/