Phd Student in Cancer Immunology

The Translational Cancer Immunogenomics (TCI) Research Group, led by Dr. Ángel Álvarez-Prado at the Department of Cancer Research of LIH, is currently offering a Ph.D. student position. Recently established, the research group focuses on understanding how genetic alterations in cancer cells shape the immune microenvironment of brain metastatic tumors, with the long-term goal of developing novel personalized immunotherapies for cancer patients with brain metastasis.

**_ Project: Decoding the impact of genetic variation on anti-tumoral immunity and immunotherapy efficacy in brain metastatic tumors_**

Brain metastases (BrMs) are the most common brain tumors in adults, often originating from primary lung, breast and melanoma cancers. It is estimated that 20-40% of all cancer patients will develop metastases to the brain. Patients with BrMs present a dismal prognosis and there is an urgent need for more effective treatments. In this regard, the standard of care has been recently expanded to include molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies; and the genetic profile of primary tumors is now used to guide personalized treatment decisions for patients with lung
- and melanoma-BrMs. While immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown encouraging initial outcomes in these patients, a substantial proportion of BrMs remain unresponsive to ICB. This underscores the intricate and heterogeneous nature of the BrM tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and emphasizes the need for a better understanding of its role driving pro
- or anti-tumoral responses. Previous research from the Principal Investigator has linked the genetic makeup of cancer cells to the abundance and function of immune cells in the microenvironment of human BrMs, suggesting an important role for somatic variation in shaping the TIME. However, the contribution of tumor somatic variation to anti-tumoral immunity remains to be fully understood. Our hypothesis is that genetic variation instructs specific immunophenotypes in the microenvironment of BrM tumors, which in turn shape responses to therapy. Therefore, this project aims to: (i) evaluate the efficacy of radio
- and ICB therapy in preclinical mouse models of lung
- and melanoma-BrM bearing different genetic makeups; (ii) characterize the TIME in treated and untreated tumors from these models; (iii) explore the link between some genetic variation, TIME phenotypes and responses to therapy in human BrMs.

**Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications**
- B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biomedical sciences, Immunology or Oncology;
- Hands-on experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques;
- Experience handling experimental mouse models and Certified training on animal experimentation and welfare corresponding to the requirements defined by the EU Directive 2010/63/EU and the Réglement Grand-Ducal of the 11th January 2013 (FELASA or equivalent) will be a plus;
- Experience on bioinformatic analyses (DNA-Seq, (sc)RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq) and/or R programming skills will be a plus;
- Skills: Curiosity, rigor, perseverance, creativity, excellent time management and sense of priority, willingness to learn, team player;
- Fluent command of English (written and spoken) is a must.

The **starting date** can be negotiated but must be before the end of June 2025.

**Gender Equality**

**The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.**

**In Short...**:

- Contract type : Fixed-term contract (CDD)
- Contract duration : 36 months
- Work hours : 40h/week
- Location : rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé 6 - 1210 Luxembourg
- Start date : ASAP
- Ref : MC/PhD125/AAP/TCI

**How to apply**:
Applications including a letter detailing your motivation and a curriculum vitae should be sent through our website.