Phd Position: Translational Immunomics In Hematological Neoplasms Group

Organisation/Company FUNDACIÓN PARA LA INVESTIGACIÓN MÉDICA APLICADA Department Administration Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov ***:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Translational Immunomics in Hematological Neoplasms Group, led by Dr. Bruno Paiva at CIMA Universidad de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain), is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our team.
The translational model that governs our group is based on the hybrid nature of our flow cytometry laboratory, with its dual focus on diagnosis and research. First, we conduct research to improve the methods we use for the differential diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of patients with hematological malignancies. Second, our goal is to understand the biology of the tumor cells that we routinely detect in diagnostic settings (e.g., circulating tumor cells [CTCs], measurable residual disease [MRD], and immune monitoring).
Our laboratory is recognized for its leadership in translational research across the spectrum of monoclonal gammopathies. Our most notable scientific contributions are, as expected, in the clinical application of flow cytometry. Although multiple myeloma is the tumor we have studied most extensively (>150 publications in leading hematology journals over the past 10 years), we have also defined the clinical utility of flow cytometry in other malignancies, such as primary systemic amyloidosis (Paiva, Blood ; Paiva, Blood ; Puig, Leukemia ) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (Paiva, Leukemia ; Paiva, Blood ).
In terms of innovative research in immunogenomics, within the field of multiple myeloma, we have contributed to advancing the field of clonal hematopoiesis (Maia, Blood ) and lymphopoiesis (Rodriguez, ASH ), monitoring of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) (Garces, J Clin Oncol ; Termini, Clin Cancer Res ), and the biology of clonal dissemination (Paiva, Blood ; Mishima, Cell Rep ; Garces, Leukemia [2]); measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring (>15 publications in, for example, J Clin Oncol and Blood); and the biology of resistant clones (Paiva, Blood ; Goicoechea, Blood ), immune profiling (Paiva, Blood [2]; Botta, Blood Adv ; Termini, Clin Cancer Res ), and preclinical research in immunotherapy (Seckinger, Cancer Cell ; Moreno, Clin Cancer Res ).
In Waldenström macroglobulinemia, we were the first to identify its normal cellular counterpart (Paiva, Blood ) and to describe the presence of mutated MYD88 in normal lymphopoiesis in these patients (Rodríguez, Science Advances ). In light-chain amyloidosis, we pioneered the use of single-cell studies to identify unique transcriptional programs in this disease (Alameda, Blood ).
Much more important than our scientific output is its clinical impact. For example, our contributions to the study of solitary plasmacytoma (Paiva, Blood ) and MRD contributed, in part, to the subsequent development of new diagnostic criteria (Rajkumar, Lancet Oncol ) and response criteria (Kumar, Lancet Oncol ).
The successful candidate will work at the intersection of translational research applied to patients. Depending on the candidate's interests and background, the PhD project may involve:
Identify the plasma cell clone responsible for dissemination, resistance, and relapse, by studying circulating tumor cells (CTC) and minimal residual disease (MRD).
To define the role of the immune system and the microenvironment in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and acute leukemia, and in their drug resistance.
Preclinical evaluation of new anti-myeloma compounds and monitoring of clinical trials
Characterization of immune biology and response to immunotherapy in experimental models of multiple myeloma
The candidate will join a highly collaborative and international research environment. The project combines advanced genomics and flow cytometry technologies with a clear translational objective, offering the opportunity to contribute to a field with potential clinical impact.
MRD dynamics predicts progression and reveals a vulnerable state for immunotherapy interception in multiple myeloma. Blood. Jul 24:blood.**. doi: */blood.***
Idecabtagene vicleucel and endogenous T-cell phenotypes linked to progression-free survival in relapsed multiple myeloma. Hemasphere. Jul 2;10(7):e*. doi: */hem*
Immune biomarkers of increased infection risk in multiple myeloma. Blood. Apr 30;147(18):*. doi: */blood.**
Bachelor's/University degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnolo