A Researcher position in lung cancer therapy and diagnostics is available starting April 2019 at the Laboratory of Biomarkers and New Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer of the Center of Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, led by Drs Luis M. Montuenga and Ruben Pio.

Our laboratory is interested in how genetic and phenotypic alterations in lung cancer cells contribute to tumorigenesis, alter treatment response, or create vulnerabilities that may be targeted therapeutically. We are also interested in leveraging this data for development of biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis or prediction of treatment response, including immunotherapeutic agents.

Specific aims of our group are to understand how genetic alterations in lung cancer cells may drive carcinogenesis at the early stages; how these driver alterations may be targeted by small molecules; and how they may affect mechanisms of immune escape and response to immunotherapies. Our research involves both molecular pathological analysis of human tumor samples and the establishment of in vitro and in vivo systems for the study of lung cancer, as well as the identification of drug targets for disease management. We utilize cell and mouse models of lung cancer, molecular and imaging technologies as well as genetic and epigenetic profiling approaches.

We have a large collection of very well clinically characterized human normal and tumor samples as part of the lung cancer multidisciplinary area of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Three main cohorts are available: high risk individuals included in a screening research project; resected specimens from early (stage I-IIIa) cases; and late stage patients treated with a variety of clinical strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The ultimate goal of our group at CIMA/CIBERONC is to improve our understanding of lung cancer and to identify novel strategies that can be exploited diagnostically, prognostically or therapeutically. For this position, we are particularly interested in candidates able to design and develop collaborative projects in basic and translational lung cancer research. The projects should be clearly aimed to solve unmet medical needs in lung cancer. We would be particularly interested in scientists with experience in molecular pathology and imaging in cancer, and in multiplex cell-based assays for characterization of tissues, but will gladly consider other varied types of expertise.

We are accepting applications from talented and enthusiastic candidates who are interested in a dynamic, well-supported lab at a top research Spanish institution. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or a related topic plus a minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral research experience in high quality Spanish or international research centers in oncology-related areas. First or relevant authorship publications in high-impact factor journals and experience in grant application writing is also a requisite.

Ideally, the candidate must have supervised at least one PhD student and had been PI or Co-PI at least in one competitive starting grant. Technical experience in histological techniques, and general cellular and molecular biology are required. We also value candidates with knowledge on management of mouse colonies, flow cytometry, basic computational skills, immunology, and drug efficacy studies. Having skills in molecular pathology, diagnostics or basic histopathology experience, bio-banking and imaging will be considered favorably. The candidate is expected to work actively and with independence in a collaborative environment, and to have strong communication skills in Spanish and/or English.

Applicants interested in applying for this position should submit

  • An electronic copy of their CV,
  • The names and contact information of three referents, and
  • A cover letter describing past research experience, research interests, and career goals. This cover letter should include also a summary presentation of the candidate’s expertise that he/she would bring to the institution and a potential research proposal (maximum extension 6 pages) to:

Luis Montuenga, Ph.D. Senior Investigator and Professor of Cell Biology lmontuenga@unav.es
Please also CC to Marisol Ripa msripa@unav.es
The deadline to submit applications is March 19th 2019.
More information:
https://cima.unav.edu/en/investigacion/programas-verticales/biomarcadores-y-nuevas-dianas-terapeuticas-en-cancer-de-pulmon
www.unav.edu

msripa@unav.es