Read about what our Postdoc Fellows say
"After completing my PhD in the US, I was thrilled to be awarded a DKFZ International Postdoc Fellowship to study epigenetic heterogeneity with Dr. Christoph Plass. My research at the DKFZ has been supported by world class resources, from our core facilities, to our grants office. Personally and professionally, my network has grown exponentially through my participation in the DKFZ Postdoc Network Committee (PDNC) and the Helmholtz Association Postdoc Network (HAPN). Moving to Heidelberg was definitely the best decision for my postdoc."
- Dr. Fiona Brown-Burke (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2023)
“To give rise to tissues that make up an entire organism, stem cells differentiate into different cell types by switching genes on and off, a process known as gene regulation. Cell-type specific gene regulation requires remote sequences in DNA, such as enhancers. Since enhancers can be located at large distances from their target genes, they presumably need to come into close spatial proximity to regulate their cognate gene. Our group has discovered a new class of such sequences that only transiently contact their target gene promoters. In my project, I will elucidate the molecular mechanisms and function of transient interactions using mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation as a model system. I aim to identify transcription factors that bind to transiently promoter-interacting sequences and to unravel their role in contact formation. This will allow us to understand how these processes drive development and ultimately how they are dysregulated in cancer cells.”
- Dr. Ann-Kristin Dicke (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2024)
“One of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment is that some malignant cells develop resistance to therapy, leading to relapse. This is especially common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive type of blood cancer. To improve patient survival, it is crucial to develop new therapies that identify and target the weaknesses of these drug-resistant cells. Recent research suggests that triggering a specific type of cell death, called ferroptosis, could be a promising strategy. My project focuses on developing new drugs that block a key protein of ferroptosis, GPX4, which helps these resistant cancer cells survive. By targeting GPX4, we aim to create a new therapy that, when combined with existing treatments, could prevent AML relapse and improve patient outcomes. I was drawn to do my Postdoc at DKFZ because of its world-class cancer research environment and strong focus on developing solutions for cancer patients. My goal is to contribute to new treatment strategies that could one day be used in the clinic. The DKFZ Postdoctoral fellowship allows me to carry out this important research while expanding my skills in drug discovery and collaborating with top experts in the field."
- Dr. Lissy Gross (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2024)
"Cells rely on precise communication networks to regulate growth, development, and repair. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a vital role in these processes, and its dysfunction is closely linked to diseases such as cancer. Recent discoveries reveal that certain proteins in this pathway can form biomolecular condensates. My research investigates how these condensates fine-tune Wnt signaling in cancer. Through the DKFZ International Postdoc Fellowship, I aim to apply my expertise in condensate biology to cancer research, leveraging DKFZ’s cutting-edge environment to explore how biomolecular condensates contribute to disease progression and uncover potential therapeutic strategies."
- Dr. Tianshu Gui (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2023)
"I aim to orient my career towards translational research and immunotherapy for the treatment of virus-induced cancers, with the hope to make an impact for patient care. In addition to benefit from the international reputation of excellence in fundamental and translational cancer research, working at the DKFZ provides me with the access to huge technical resources, collaborations with talented scientists, translational research, advanced training, Career Service and International Program."
- Dr. Noémie Lejeune (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2024)
"For my post-doctoral research project, I’m interested in transcription factors and some nuclear fusion proteins that are notably found in several pediatric cancers. I’m investigating their involvement in the formation of aberrant nuclear condensates and their impact on transcription regulation. Unraveling these mechanisms will provide new insights into fundamental cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets. The DKFZ International Postdoc Fellowship was a great opportunity to join such an excellent and stimulating scientific environment."
- Dr. Claire Vargas (DKFZ International Postdoc Fellows 2023)