Postdoctoral Researcher – Metabolism of the Neuroblastoma Tumor Microenvironment

Postdoctoral Researcher – Metabolism of the Neuroblastoma Tumor Microenvironment

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

This joint postdoctoral position is part of the recently awarded NCCR Children and Cancer. It bridges the Laboratory of Exercise and Health, headed by Prof. Dr. Katrien De Bock (Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich), an expert in vascular metabolism with the laboratory of Dr. Raphael Morscher (University Children's Hospital Zurich), an expert in tumor metabolism, with the purpose to advance our understanding on the metabolic determinants of the tumor mircroenvironment in neuroblastoma.

Project background

The position focuses on understanding how the metabolic tumor microenvironment (TME) is rewired in pediatric cancer, with a particular focus on neuroblastoma. The successful applicant will elucidate the architecture and composition of the TME with a focus on blood-vessels and immune-cells. They will study how nutrient availability correlates to TME features and how it can be modulated for treatment. To do so, the postdoc will establish mouse models of neuroblastoma and use them to dissect how the tumor reprograms its metabolic niche, in particular the crosstalk between tumor vasculature, immune cells and metabolism. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the wider NCCR consortium, combining human patient samples, genetic mouse models, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and functional vascular/metabolic assays.

For more information on the two labs, visit the following Websites: Laboratory of Exercise and Health and Morscher Lab For more information on the project, please visit Children and Cancer (Workpackage 2.2).

Job description

Working closely with both PIs and the NCCR consortium, you will:

• Establish and characterize novel genetic and/or orthotopic mouse models of neuroblastoma
• Investigate how neuroblastoma rewires the metabolic tumor microenvironment, with emphasis on vascular and immune-metabolic crosstalk
• Characterize tumor vascular diversity, organization and metabolic gradients, and their relationship to hypoxia and nutrient/oxygen delivery
• Profile the immune TME and its interaction with the tumor vasculature, using approaches such as single-cell/spatial transcriptomics as well as metabolomics
• Test interventions that target the immune-vascular interface (e.g. vascular normalization, HEV-like reprogramming) to identify actionable metabolic vulnerabilities
• Collaborate with other NCCR workpackages to integrate metabolic, vascular and immune data into a systems-level view of the pediatric TME
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, data presentation and reporting within the consortium

Profile

We are looking for a passionate researcher with a strong scientific background:

• PhD in cancer biology, vascular biology, immunometabolism or a related field
• Strong research background in cancer metabolism, vascular biology, or immune metabolism
• Hands-on experience with mouse models of cancer
• Familiarity with cellular and molecular techniques relevant to tumor biology (e.g. imaging, flow cytometry, transcriptomics) is an asset
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working across two collaborating labs and a larger consortium
• Advanced proficiency in English

We offer

A unique opportunity to work at the interface of tumor, vascular and immune metabolism, jointly mentored by two labs with complementary expertise, and embedded in the national NCCR Children and Cancer consortium. You will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure at both ETH Zurich and the University Children's Hospital Zurich, and close interactions with the broader NCCR network. We offer a competitive salary in line with ETH Zurich regulations.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• A brief statement of motivation and research interests (max. one page)
• Contact details of two references.

Further information can be found on the following Websites: Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Morscher Lab and Children and Cancer. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Katrien De Bock, katrien-debock@ethz.ch or Dr. Raphael Morscher, raphael.morscher@kispi.uzh.ch (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.