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.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13045-022-01342-z
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.
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.