The Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, Giga-Cancer (Prof A. Noel and Prof J.M. Foidart) at the University of Liège (Belgium) has two opening positions for PhD beginning on October 2012 (3 years). These projects in cancer biology are related to mechanisms leading to metastasis formation and involve cellular and molecular biology, as well as innovative in vivo and in vitro assays. These positions offer the opportunity to be trained in a dynamic environment inside the GIGA (http://www.giga.ulg.ac.be/jcms/c_5015/accueil).

The first research project concerns the study of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow. These cells are recruited within the tumor stroma and contribute to tumor progression and metastasis formation. We plan to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the interplay between cancer cells and mesenchymal stem cells. This project developed in the context of a european consortium is an excellent opportunity to contribute to european research with regular contacts with partners from different countries.

The second project is a Télévie (FNRS, Belgium) project aiming at investigating the mechanisms of action of a membrane type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) involved in metastatic dissemination.

For detailed description of the scientific projects and positions, please contact: Prof Agnès NOEL agnes.noel@ulg.ac.be (0032-(0)4/366 25 68).

Hard worker and highly motivated candidates, please send your letter of motivation and full CV to agnes.noel@ulg.ac.be, as soon as possible and at the latest on 30/08/2012.