[BBC] Computational Cancer Biology Positions

[Lodewyk Wessels]

COMPREHENSIVE COMPUTATIONAL MODELING FOR COMBINATION TREATMENT DESIGN


PROJECT OUTLINE

All cancers arise due to alterations in their genomes. Although insight into the genetic lesions in tumors by genome sequencing does already assist in selecting some drug regimens, it rarely results in disease eradication due to the emergence of drug-resistance. More sophisticated combination therapies in which several oncogenic pathways are targeted simultaneously could alleviate this problem. However, at present we are unable to extract and interpret the necessary information from tumors to predict which drug regimen will be most adequate. In this project we will collaborate with Welcome Trust Sanger Center and employ the 1000 cancer cell line data set to tackle this problem. This data set comprises large-scale molecular characterization and cancer drug screening of all cell lines for 400 anti-cancer drugs. The molecular data currently consists of gene expression, copy number (SNP-6), and whole exome sequencing data and is being expanded. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists at the Welcome Trust Sanger Center and the Netherlands Cancer Institute and employ computational approaches to mine this rich, valuable pre-clinical resource. Potential results include 1) new molecular biomarkers to identify sensitive populations 2) repositioning of existing drugs in other tumor types and 3) potential drug combinations aimed at overcoming resistance mechanisms. Hypotheses emerging from these analyses will be validated in model systems and where possible in clinical settings.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS – EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

We are seeking highly motivated Postdoc or PhD candidates with a degree in bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics or physics and with a strong cancer biology interest. Preferably applicants should have a documented experience in analyzing high-throughput genomic data. The candidate needs to be proficient in common bioinformatics scripting and programming languages. Fluency in spoken and written English is a strong requirement.

LOCATION

The project involves groups at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam (Rene Bernards, Molecular Carcinogenesis, and Lodewyk Wessels, Computational Biology) and the Welcome Trust Sanger Institute (Mathew Garnet and Ultan McDermott, Cancer Genome Project). This position will be embedded in the Computational Biology Group lead by Lodewyk Wessels.

CONTACT DETAILS

Please contact Lodewyk Wessels, tel. +31 20 512 7987 or e-mail: l.wessels at nki.nl. When applying, please ensure you include a CV, list of publications and the names and addresses of at least two persons that can be approached as references. Also see bioinformatics.nki.nl for further information.

CLOSING DATE

3 February 2013