To strengthen our excellent research team, which is focused on understanding how genetic alterations are driving the pathogenesis of acute leukemia with the aim to develop innovative treatment approaches, we are looking for postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d). In this responsible role, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary competence center for pediatric oncology, and to have a direct influence on the development of new cancer therapies.

The Genetics of Leukaemias group (https://www.ccri.at/sabine-strehl-group/) studies the genetic landscape of acute childhood leukemia and aims to find novel therapeutic targets. Over the past decades, the survival rates for childhood leukemia have remarkably increased due to major progress in therapy. However, we are still facing the challenges that for specific genetic subtypes of leukemia current treatment approaches are suboptimal resulting in therapy failure and a rather poor outcome, and systemic multidrug chemotherapy-associated acute and long-term toxicities are major concerns. To overcome these problems a profound understanding of the molecular processes underlying the pathogenesis of the respective disease entities is required. In recent years, we embarked on the mission to use human induced pluripotent stem cells, in which we introduce oncogenic fusion genes via CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, as cellular model system. Following directed in vitro differentiation, we monitor their impact on hematopoietic development, transcriptome changes and related pathways, with the ultimate goal to find novel options for therapeutic interventions.

As a Postdoc, you will

• Pursue meaningful research at the highest level in an inspiring and international working environment
• Be part of the next generation of scientist who shape the future of medicine
• Collaborate with scientists and physicians within the CCRI, the St. Anna Children’s Hospital, and neighboring institutions
• Contribute to the supervision of junior group members

Your profile

• PhD (respectively DVM/MD or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences field
• Strong background in genetics, molecular biology, genome editing, and tissue culture
• Experience with NGS (e.g. RNA-seq, 10xGenomics) would be an asset
• At least two years of postdoctoral experience
• Depending on your stage of career, at least one first-author publication in a leading, international peer-reviewed scientific journal
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (German not required)
• Proactive, independent thinker and problem solver
• Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and creativity
• Developing new ideas and thinking outside the box

Our offer

• A postdoctoral position for one year with an option for extension
• A meaningful, inspiring, and international environment
• An outstanding working atmosphere in a strong team with excellent research and development opportunities
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Flexible working hours, discounted lunch in our canteen and other great benefits
• Great location in the center of Vienna, a capital of biomedical research in Europe with excellent quality of life
• A fair and attractive salary package according to salary scheme of the Austrian Science Fund FWF (https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/personnel-costs/)

Who we are

The St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), located in the center of Vienna, the world’s most livable city and one of Europe’s most important places for biomedical research and life sciences, is an international and multidisciplinary competence center striving to improve treatment of children and adolescents with cancer by connecting translational and clinical research with open-minded exploration of basic disease mechanisms. Through close cooperation between clinic and research, the CCRI provides an ideal environment for cutting-edge research and its translation into clinical practice. To achieve our ultimate goal of advancing the well-being of patients, the CCRI constantly pushes scientific boundaries and strongly promotes close collaboration and exchange with external institutions like the Medical University of Vienna, CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) and the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP).

The CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment of mutual respect to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Find more information here: https://science.ccri.at/ or https://kinderkrebsforschung.at/.

Your application

Please send your application via email to Sabine Strehl, application@ccri.at. Applications should at least contain your Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter, a list of your publications (please explain your contributions) and the contact details of three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.