Contrato predoctoral en biomedicina (Barcelona, España)

The group directed by Antonio Gentilella at the Laboratory of Metabolism and Cancer, IDIBELL, Barcelona, offers a 4-years FPI contract for highly motivated candidates willing to carry out a PhD in biomedicine.  

The group focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which oncogenic transformation reorganizes the cellular translational landscape, particularly (1) how metabolic changes alter the repertoire of translated mRNAs and (2) how cancer cells can exploit those translational networks to survive and overcome standard of care chemotherapeutic regimens in colorectal cancer, and potentially other tumor types. In this regard we have recently identified a specialized subset of 40S ribosomes that bind and preserve a discrete population of anabolic mRNAs which play a central role in cell growth and proliferation (Gentilella et al., Molecular CELL 17). By a set of in vitro and in vivo approaches we are now understanding how cancer cells can make use of this mechanism to overcome the detrimental effect of chemotherapy, paving the way for redesigning the therapeutic approach. 

Requirements 
The candidate should possess a Master Degree in Biomedicine or equivalent, with excellent academic records and good communication skills. The project associated to this scholarship requires solid grounds (theoretical and practical) in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Previous research experiences in those fields will be highly valued as well as a strong scientific curiosity.

What we offer 
A 4 years FPI contract associated with the project SAF2017-84301-P 


Documents required
To apply please send your CV, cover letter, and the contact information of at least one reference to : 

antonio.gentilella@ub.edu 

to learn more : 
Gentilella A.* et al. “Autogenous control of 5’TOP mRNA stability by 40S ribosomes” 
Molecular Cell. Jul 6;67(1):55-70.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.06.005.        * corresponding

Gentilella A.* et al.   “A liaison between mTOR signaling, ribosome biogenesis and cancer.”
Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Feb 28. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.02.005.

Gentilella A, Thomas G   “Cancer biology: The director's cut.”
Nature. 2012 May 2;485(7396):50-1. doi: 10.1038/485050a.