PhD Candidate in Molecular Nutrition (ref 260554)

This is a preclinical drug development project in cancer immunology. The project involves laboratory work in biochemistry, cell biology and organ on a chip technology. Work with animal models (mice) is required.

The student will be associated with the Department of Nutrition University of Oslo (UiO) and collaborate with researchers at UiO, Oslo University Hospital (OUS) the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and University of Kassel in Germany.

Despite the success of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) less than 30 % of patients with established solid tumors benefit from this treatment suggesting that there are additional mechanisms regulating tumor immune evasion. It is now evident that immune suppressive protein kinase A (PKA) triggers tumor immune rejection and promotes T cell dysfunction and ICT failure in solid tumors. We have identified a unique PKA in immune cells, and shown that tumor-bearing mice genetically ablated for this PKA form have increased numbers of proinflammatory immune cells in their solid tumors and that these animals are protected from tumor growth and metastatic potential. Based on these facts we wish to «Target immune cell-specific PKA in order to enhance immune checkpoint therapeutics”.

For more information and how to apply: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/260554/phd-candidate-in-molecular-nutrition