Phd Position Identification of novel DNA and RNA fusions as markers for prostate cancer
Erasmus Medical Centre
1M Illumina SNP and Affymetrix EXON array analyses of prostate cancer patient samples and xenografts, revealed a wealth of cancer-related DNA and RNA changes. Of particular interest to us are the borders of chromosomal deletions and amplifications and the genes located on these breakpoints.
Therefore, we will integrate SNP and EXON array data of the same 80 patient samples to identify DNA breakpoints resulting in aberrant gene transcripts. In addition, DNA and RNA fusions will be identified using state of the art Solexa Paired-End Deep Sequencing in which both ends of RNAs and DNA fragments are sequenced. This allows for identification of fragments in which the ends do not match according to the human genome sequence revealing potential fusion genes. Candidate fusion genes will be further studied for their occurrence rate and role in cancer initiation and progression.
Supervisors are Prof. dr. Jan Trapman and Dr. Guido Jenster. Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
Job-requirements
The candidate should have a MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or from a related field of training. Preferably the candidate has experience with molecular biology techniques and cell culture. English language skills are essential.
Applicants can be nationals of any country other than The Netherlands and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.
Candidates should be researchers in the first four years of their research careers measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate.
Embedding and conditions of employment
The PhD student working on the project will be part of PRO-NEST, a unique European integrated multi-disciplinary training programme for young researchers interested in prostate cancer research, funded by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme.
We offer you a temporary full-time appointment as PhD student for a period of 3 years, starting in the autumn of 2009.
Information
Applicants should submit an application letter by email to the PRO-NEST project manager Dr. Ellen Schenk at e.schenk-braataterasmusmc.nl, mentioning vacancynumber 29.02.09.PRONEST.
The application should include a statement on the position of interest, motivation, research interests and how the Marie Curie eligibility criteria are met, as well as a CV and the contact details of 2 referees.
Further information on the PRO-NEST project, eligibility criteria and how to apply can be obtained at www.pro-nest.org
