Postdoc position in cellular senescence and age-related pathologies : Groningen, Netherlands

University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands

ERIBA: the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, vacancy 180169

The European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA) is a newly established institute at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). The central theme at the ERIBA is the molecular mechanism of (cellular) ageing. We aim to identify physiological and molecular changes that can explain the loss of cells and functional decline of cells and tissues with age. For this, we make use of state of the art technology and a variety of model organisms. Furthermore, we heavily invest in Systems Biology to integrate our findings in the various mechanisms of ageing that have been proposed. The ERIBA is housed in a brand new building and part of the central UMCG campus in central Groningen, a small (200,000 inhabitants) but vibrant city (with over 25,000 students) in the north of the Netherlands.

Background: 

Cellular senescence is a complex tumor-suppressive mechanism induced by many different stresses. Senescent cells are characterized by growth arrest, changes in morphology and gene expression, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, proteases and other molecules that can alter the tissue microenvironment (a phenomenon termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype or SASP). For an unknown mechanism, senescent cells increase with age, and are evident at sites of numerous age-related pathologies and pre-cancerous lesions. Recent results show that life-long elimination of senescent cells can prevent the development of certain age-related pathologies in a mouse model of segmental accelerated aging, strongly supporting the idea that senescent cells can be deleterious. In contrast, we and others have shown that the SASP might have a beneficial effect during tissue repair by promoting collagen degradation and differentiation of myofibroblasts. Thus, there is the possibility that senescence has been selected to ensure early life fitness (wound healing), but may have unselected deleterious effects late in life (aging and cancer promotion).

The Demaria lab is interested to dissect the molecular phenotypes of cellular senescence induced by different stimuli, and to characterize how they can promote age-related cancers. 

The proposed project aims to determine how senescent cells are accumulated upon UV radiation, and the contribution of UV-induced senescence for melanoma progression. More in the specific, we will use different mouse models, mouse and human primary cells and human biopsies. We will evaluate the induction and the behaviour of senescent cells induced by UV, and their pro-tumorigenic phenotype in relation to melanoma. Moreover, we will screen and test different compounds with the potential of specifically eliminate senescent cells in vivo. You will study gene expression, cellular interactions, immune cell activation, melanomagenesis, tumor progression, drug actions and phenotypic effects.

What do we ask

The Postdoc will be part of a young and enthusiastic research group and should have the following requirements:

- Required education/skills: PhD in Molecular/Medical Biology

- Experience in a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR, FACS, Western blots, histology, cell culture)

- Excellent record of work with mice and cancer models

- Should be enthusiastic, ambitious, and organized

- Collaborative, communication and networking skills are mandatory

- Good knowledge of English

What do we offer

Employment basis: 1,0 fte – 36 hours / week), temporary for specified period 

Duration of the contract: One year with possibility for extension (funding available for three years)

Maximum salary amount:

来源：荷兰格罗宁根大学医学中心