PhD position - Improved Early Detection of Tumors through Non-Invasive Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis

PhD position - Improved Early Detection of Tumors through Non-Invasive Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis

Praktikum/Werkstudium, Voll- oder Teilzeit · München

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About us

The Medical Genetics Center (MGZ) is a specialist practice and accredited laboratory for human genetics in Munich. Founded in 2000, MGZ is one of the leading providers in the field of medical human genetics in Germany with its team of 20 physicians and more than 160 employees.

Project description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled bioinformatics PhD student to join our research team for a project focused on advancing the early detection of tumors using non-invasive methods.
Current targeted approaches for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection are limited by their focus on specific hotspot variants, restricting their applicability to patients with those variants. In contrast, untargeted, genome-wide ctDNA approaches can benefit all cancer patients, regardless of specific somatic variants. Various untargeted methods have been developed to expand the utility of ctDNA analysis to a broader patient population, including the analysis of SCNAs, cfDNA fragmentation profiles, and epigenetic signatures. To this end, we previously developed an integrated workflow for untargeted ctDNA detection called LIFE-CNA (LIquid biopsy Fragmentation, Epigenetic signature, and Copy Number Alteration analysis), consolidating multiple untargeted ctDNA analysis approaches (Hallermayr et al, 2022).
The successful candidate will work on developing and refining bioinformatics tools and algorithms to analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma samples and extending the LIFE-CNA workflow to other tumor entities and stages. The successful candidate will be enrolled at LMU and will be hosted at MGZ in the R&D and BioIT departments.

Relevant works

Somatic copy number alteration and fragmentation analysis in circulating tumor DNA for cancer screening and treatment monitoring in colorectal cancer patients. Hallermayr, A.; Wohlfrom, T.; Steinke-Lange, V.; Benet-Pagès, A.; Scharf, F.; Heitzer, E.; Mansmann, U.; Haberl, C.; de Wit, M.; Vogelsang, H.; Rentsch, M.; Holinski-Feder, E.; Pickl, J.M.A. SEP 2022 JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and implement bioinformatics algorithms to analyze ctDNA data generated from NGS
• Collaborate with researchers and clinicians to validate and interpret the results
• Contribute to the development of machine learning models for improved detection and classification of ctDNA
• Preparation of manuscripts
• Present your work at conferences

Your profile

• A master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
• Proficiency in Python, CWL, R and command line.
• Experience with genomic data and NGS analysis
• Experience with machine learning techniques/software or a willingness to learn
• Experience with circulating tumor DNA analysis is a plus but not required
• Very good communication and writing skills
• Fluency in German and English is required

What we offer

• The opportunity to work with the latest molecular genetic techniques in a clinical setting
• Long-term perspective with a high degree of creative freedom at one of the leading, owner-managed genetics laboratories in Germany
• Collaboration in an innovative and interdisciplinary team
• Responsible and varied tasks
• Additional benefits for employees, such as coffee and tea, daily fresh fruit and juices, company parties, etc.

Application Instruction

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter and certificates outlining their research experience and interests. The contact information of two referees will be requested during the information process.
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Über uns

Das MGZ - Medizinisch Genetische Zentrum ist eine Facharztpraxis und ein akkreditiertes Labor für Humangenetik mit Sitz in der Münchner Innenstadt. Das im Jahr 2000 gegründete MGZ gehört mit seinen mehr als 170 Mitarbeitern in Deutschland zu den führenden Unternehmen im Bereich der Humangenetik.
Auf diese Stelle bewerben

About us

Das MGZ - Medizinisch Genetische Zentrum ist eine Facharztpraxis und ein akkreditiertes Labor für Humangenetik mit Sitz in der Münchner Innenstadt. Das im Jahr 2000 gegründete MGZ gehört mit seinen mehr als 170 Mitarbeitern in Deutschland zu den führenden Unternehmen im Bereich der Humangenetik.
Auf diese Stelle bewerben

Wir freuen uns auf Sie!

Wir freuen uns über Ihr Interesse am MGZ. Bitte füllen Sie das folgende kurze Formular aus. Sollten Sie Schwierigkeiten mit dem Upload Ihrer Daten haben, wende Sie sich gerne per Email an mgz-jobs@m.personio.de.
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