1 PhD position in systems biology of cancer metabolism in Switzerland | ETH Zürich

We are inviting applications for a PhD position in the laboratory of Dr. Nicola Zamboni at the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology (Campus ETH Hönggerberg) as of September 1st, 2015, or upon agreement.

PhD position in systems biology of cancer metabolism

The research group of Dr. Nicola Zamboni investigates cellular metabolism, and is particularly attracted by problems of biomedical relevance and are difficult to address because complex or technically challenging. To tackle such problems, the lab resorts to a large portfolio of methods including cutting-edge mass spectrometry (i.e. metabolomics and 13C flux analysis) and computational biology. The group has a long standing experience in developing such methods and applying them to a broad range of biological systems and questions. In the context of cancer metabolism, the group has recently performed thorough metabolic characterization of the metabolism in hundreds of cell lines and could uncover an extreme heterogeneity in metabolic lifestyle. At the current stage, the research focuses on identifying the genetic cause of such heterogeneous metabolic phenotypes and unraveling the mechanisms that (in specific subsets of cell lines) convey resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs targeting metabolism.

A Ph.D. student is sought to strengthen the existing interdisciplinary team in investigating the metabolic peculiarities of cancer cells. The project includes both experiments at the bench (i.e. mass spectrometry, tissue culture, drug assays) and data modeling. The candidate is expected to getting acquainted with state-of-the-art techniques, exploit them to explore largely uncharted terrain at the interface of biochemistry and cancer biology, and potentially devise novel approaches. Sound programming skills are essential to deal efficiently with the large amount of data generated internally and available through collaborators. Previous experience in mass spectrometry, metabolism, computational or cancer biology, tissue cultures is warmly welcome but not a precondition. Proactive thinking and communication with other lab members and external collaborators from Industry and Academia is essential. The student will be embedded in the Zurich Life Science Graduate Schooland further profit from the courses and network offered by the program.