PhD and Postdoctoral Position
in Spatio-Temporal Tumor Dynamics in Cell Cultures
and Signalling Systems in Cancer Development
Institute of Medical Neurobiology
University of Magdeburg

SPATIO-TEMPORAL TUMOR DYNAMICS IN CELL CULTURES AND SIGNALLING SYSTEMS IN CANCER DEVELOPMENT

The aim of this PhD (or PostDoc) project is to develop novel simulation models that explain key features of cancerous metastasis. Predictions derived from the simulation model will be directly examined by a new robotic technology applied to study large protein networks mediating tumor cell invasion (Lab of W. Schubert, Inst. of Med. Neuobiology, University of Magdeburg, Germany). On the other hand the simulation model will be established by real protein network data coming from the robotic reading system. Corrections of predictions will be reached by fitting the information of tumor cell associated protein networks into the simulation model. This is a new way to link functional molecular coding systems to computer simulation. Cellular interactions are predominantly mediated by specific protein complexes at the cell surface. Accordingly, the models will be based on protein compositions of individual cells. Simulations shall be used to test hypotheses regarding the spatio-temporal dynamics of cell interactions. Special emphasis will be laid upon the development of strategies how metastatic development can be stopped by specific manipulation of target proteins. Furthermore, differences in the signalling pathways of normal and tumor cells shall be analysed.

The project is for three years and will be based in the Institute of Medical Neurobiology at the University of Magdeburg. There will be close collaboration with A. Deutsch (Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany) for the development of individual-based models of metastatic growth and destruction and with U. an der Heiden with respect to the development of cell signalling models (Mathematical Institute, University of Witten/Herdecke).

Applicants should have a Master (or PhD, or equivalent qualification) in Applied Mathematics, Theoretical/Mathematical Biology, Bioinformatics or a related discipline (e.g. Theoretical Physics). Expertise in modelling and numerical analysis would be very useful. The project is part of a European Commission Research Training Network "Using Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation to Improve Cancer Therapy" (http://calvino.polito.it/~biomat/) and is therefore restricted to applicants from the EC who must not have carried out their normal activities in Germany for more than 18 of the 24 months prior to their appointment.

The start date is as soon as possible.

Applicants should send a CV with the names and addresses of two referees to: Walter Schubert, MD, associate professor Coordinator of the project Institute of Medical Neurobiology ZENIT Building Otto-von-Guericke-University of Magdeburg D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany email: Schubert@pc.mdlink.de Andreas Deutsch, PhD, PD Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems Noethnitzer Sr. 38 D-01187 Dresden, Germany e-mail: deutsch@mpipks-dresden.mpg.de Uwe an der Heiden, professor Institute of Mathematics University of Witten/Herdecke D-58448 Witten, Germany
e-mail: adheiden@uni-wh.de

First appeared in the 16 December 2000 issue of New Scientist.