Researcher in Melanoma Metabolism and Tumor Immunology - MELK Project

id="offer-description" class="ecl-u-type-heading-2 ecl-u-mt-none ecl-u-mb-l">Offer Description The position is funded by an INCa PLBIO project investigating the role of the oncogene MELK in melanoma metabolism and antitumor immunity. The project will determine whether inhibition of MELK with CRO15 can reprogram tumor and immune-cell metabolism and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. The researcher will: (1) characterize the role of MELK in melanoma metabolism using lentiviral overexpression, CRO15 inhibition and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout; (2) perform metabolomic and lipid-metabolism analyses, including fatty-acid oxidation and lipid peroxidation; (3) assess mitochondrial bioenergetics, including respiration, membrane potential, ROS and ATP production, NAD+/NADH ratio and oxygen consumption; (4) conduct in vivo isotope-tracing studies in murine melanoma models; and (5) evaluate CRO15 in combination with anti-PD-1 in immunocompetent mouse models, with analysis of CD8+ T cells, NK cells, neutrophils and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. The expected outcome is to define how MELK links metabolic reprogramming to immune-cell function and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, and to evaluate MELK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in melanoma. Where to apply E-mail [email protected]. Requirements Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent . Skills/Qualifications. Strong expertise in melanoma/cancer biology and tumor m