PhD position - Functional and molecular characterization of AI-based morphological predictors of Ven/Aza therapy response in AML (m/w/d)

The University Hospital Heidelberg is one of the major healthcare centers in Germany. Our objective is the development of innovative diagnostics and therapies as well as their quick implementation for the patient. With about 14,000 employees in more than 50 specialized clinical departments with almost 2,500 beds, about 80,000 patients in part-time and full-time inpatient treatment as well as 1,000,000 patients in ambulant treatment are medicated each year. PhD position - Functional and molecular characterization of AI-based morphological predictors of Ven/Aza therapy response in AML (m/f/d) wanted for the next possible date at the Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology.

For our project “Functional and molecular characterization of AI-based morphological predictors of therapy response in Acute Myeloid Leukemia” we are looking for a PhD student. The project is part of the SFB/CRC 1709 “Cellular Plasticity in Myeloid Malignancies: From Mechanisms to Therapies. In this CRC we will focus on myeloid malignancies as a model to dissect the various molecular mechanisms that enable and regulate cancer cell plasticity in AML. Our overall goal is to pave the way for new cancer therapies.

The aim of this PhD position is to perform and to functionally and molecularly characterize multiomics single cell sequencing datasets and to combine these data with AI analyses from bone marrow smears. We aim to analyze mechanisms and so to develop new biomarkers for response and therapy. Job ID: V000014467 Field of application: Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology Location: USA Start date: as of now Job Category: Science and teaching Working hours: Part time (65 %) Limitation: Temporary (2 years, extension sought) Contract:

Single-cell multiomics in primary cells: wet-lab experiments and performing bioinformatic analyzes on the single-cell datasets Ex-vivo sensitivity assays: Performing ex-vivo treatments on primary AML bone marrow samples with Ven/Aza to validate the functional sensitivity or resistance of the cell populations identified by the AI. Comparison with genomic data: Correlation of morphological AI patterns with existing genomic and molecular patient data (e.g. mutation status, expression profiles) to identify new correlations. Spatial Transcriptomics: Application of Spatial Transcriptomics to new patient samples with the aim of validating the molecular signature of the cell populations identified by the AI using Giemsa morphology and comparing it with the morphological findings. The focus is on the comparison of morphology and gene expression profiles to better characterize therapy response and. Laser microdissection & molecular analyses: Targeted microdissection of abnormal cells from Giemsa smears, extraction of DNA/RNA and molecular genetic analyses (e.g. targeted NGS, qPCR) to identify resistance genes and mutations.

Master degree (or similar) in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related field Experience in molecular biology methods (e.g. PCR, NGS, cell culture) and/or functional cell assays Interest in translational leukemia research and innovative imaging and omics technologies Bioinformatics experience, especially in R Ideally initial experience with image analysis, laser microdissection or spatial transcriptomics

Goal-oriented, individual training and development opportunities Working with the latest techniques Possibility of doctorate Possibility of habilitation Possibility to publish scientifically is offered and supported Regular team meetings Collectively agreed remuneration, attractive company pension scheme (VBL) 30 days vacation Sustainable travel: job ticket Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, grant for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers Note: The UKHD is subject to the commissions of the Infection Protection Act. Therefore, a valid measles immunity certificate is required for all persons employed at the UKHD.

The UKHD embraces diversity and values diversity.

Regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion, we offer everyone the same opportunities. If one gender is underrepresented in a particular area, we place particular emphasis on counteracting this imbalance. If they have the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance, we give priority to people severe when considering them for vacancies. JOBV1_EN