Translational­ Gastrointestinal Oncology­ and Preclinical Models

Our work focuses on investigating tumor biology of gastrointestinal cancers - particularly the mechanisms driving resistance to cancer therapies - and translating these insights into clinical practice. We specifically focus on:

• Identification and characterization of genes and signaling pathways impacting response and resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies
• Mechanisms of tumor cell adaptation to treatment
• Testing novel therapies and combination approaches (e.g., drugs, radiotherapy) in preclinical studies and analyzing their underlying mechanisms.

To unravel the complex mechanisms of tumor biology and therapy resistance, we employ cutting-edge technologies:

• Organoid models: We use 3D cell cultures derived directly from tumor and normal tissue biopsies from our patients. These organoids retain essential molecular characteristics of the original tumors and serve as precise models for preclinical analysis of therapies.
• High-throughput drug testing: Using our robotics-based platforms, we simultaneously test hundreds of drugs for their effectiveness in organoids.
• Multi-omics approaches: By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, we uncover links between molecular changes and therapy responses.
• Single-cell technologies: High-throughput microscopy and single-cell sequencing, combined with co-culture systems involving cells and factors from the tumor microenvironment, provide detailed insights into cell-cell interactions.

Our research group is always looking for enthusiastic team members

• Postdoctoral Researchers: Please apply through the DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowship or for advertised positions in the DKFZ job portal. Additionally contact Johannes Betge by email, send a cover letter outlining your research interests, your CV with a complete publication list and the contact details of at least two references.
• Clinician/Physician Scientists: Please apply through the DKFZ Clinician Scientist Program or the Clinician Scientist Program of the Medical Faculty Mannheim and contact Johannes Betge in advance. 
• Doctoral Students: Please use the International PhD Program at DKFZ to apply and simultaneously send your application to Johannes Betge.
• MD Students: We offer a limited number of experimental medical doctoral thesis positions. Please send your application (including cover letter, CV and medical preliminary examination certificate) to Johannes Betge. 
• M.Sc.: We offer a limited number of internships lasting ≥ 6 months and M.Sc. positions in the wet lab and/or in data science for Bioscience/Biotechnology/Bioinformatics students, as from related fields. Please send your application (including cover letter and CV) to Johannes Betge.