POST-DOCTORAL POSITION - Inflammatory vascular remodeling and microenvironmental homeostasis
Dr. Christian Stockmann, MD,
Paris- Cardiovascular Research Center - Inserm U970
Team 11 – Inflammatory vascular remodeling and microenvironmental homeostasis
56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris
Tel: 0033 1 53 98 80 11
e-mail : christian.stockmann@inserm.fr
The research team "Inflammatory vascular remodeling and microenvironmental homeostasis" is looking for a postdoctoral fellow to lead a research project on myeloid cell-driven angiogenesis during tumor relapse after chemotherapy using different mouse models of cancer. This postdoctoral position will be based in PARis Cardiovascular research Center. It will start as soon as possible and will be initially limited to 12 month with a possible extension. There is no nationality restriction. The working language will be French and/or English.
In the context of chemotherapeutic treatment, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the architecture of the tumor vasculature and its functionality, rather than blood vessel counts, determine the therapeutic outcome by controlling drug delivery as well as microenvironmental conditions. In most tumors, blood vessels significantly differ from normal vascular networks and are characterized by inefficient blood supply despite high vasculature density. Hence, a better understanding of mechanisms involved in the regulation of drug sensitivity is indispensable for improved cancer treatments. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenic factor and we have shown that deletion of VEGF in tumor infiltrating myeloid cells leads to improved functionality of intratumoral blood vessels, alleviated tumor hypoxia and increased susceptibility to cytotoxic agents in mouse models of cancer. However, most of the studies focus on the initial response of tumors to therapy, and preclinical studies on avoidance of tumor relapse are lacking.
Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate the impact of targeting VEGF genetically in myeloid cells or via antibody-mediated neutralization on tumor relapse and metastasis after therapy with cytotoxic agents. to characterize the effects of targeting VEGF on the vascular phenotype, tumor oxygenation, the tumor microenvironment including antitumor immune responses after chemotherapy.
The laboratory is part of the PARCC, a new research center created to concentrate cardiovascular research competence in the Paris area. Located in a new building situated between the Georges Pompidou European Hospital and the André Citroën Park in the 15th arrondissement, the PARCC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology platforms and accomodates research teams with a broad range of expertise covering the areas of vascular biology, cardiovascular research as well as tumor biology/immunology (see http://www.parcc.inserm.fr).
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with a solid background in tumor angiogenesis and/or tumor immunology combined with strong skills in flow cytometry and cell sorting techniques. Experience in working with mouse models as well as a general orientation towards tumor biology including expertise on tumor angiogenesis and general tumor biology will be advantageous. A track record of publications in peer-reviewed journal and a good ability to work in a collaborative environment are required.
Please send us your application with a CV, a cover letter outlining your motivation, a short summary of your past research and the names of at least two refererences.
Contact: christian.stockmann@inserm.fr