PhD Position: Illuminating the functional dark genome in colorectal cancer

Advanced colorectal cancer remains difficult to treat, with poor survival rates due to the lack of durable and effective therapies. To address this clinical challenge, this project focuses on the "dark genome", a largely unexplored network of non-coding RNAs and microproteins that is increasingly recognised as an important driver of cancer biology.

You will use state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to systematically identify long non-coding RNAs and microproteins expressed in colorectal cancer. Subsequently, you will apply CRISPR/Cas-based functional genetic screens to determine their role in tumour growth and survival.

The project aims to uncover novel molecular vulnerabilities and establish the foundation for innovative therapies that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate the functional role of the dark genome in colorectal cancer. This position is ideal for an enthusiastic and dedicated researcher with a strong interest in cancer biology, gene regulation, non-coding RNAs and bioinformatics.

You will combine experimental and computational approaches and work with a broad range of molecular and cellular techniques, including:

• cloning and lentiviral production;
• flow cytometry and microscopy;
• CRISPR-based functional genomics technologies;
• analysis and interpretation of sequencing/screening data;
• supervision of MSc and BSc students.

You are an ambitious, curious and highly motivated researcher who enjoys working in an international and collaborative environment. In addition, you have:

• a master's degree in molecular oncology, molecular biology or a closely related discipline;
• demonstrated experience in biomedical research, for example through a thesis, internship, publication or comparable research experience;
• strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• affinity and/or experience with gene regulation, non-coding RNAs, oncology, next-generation sequencing or CRISPR-based technologies;
• basic bioinformatics skills or a strong motivation to develop them further.