PhD Position in lung cancer research

PhD Position in lung cancer research Vienna, 01.09.2025

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a strong background in molecular biology, cell culture and cancer mouse models. Prior experience with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis is highly desirable.

The position is available in the research group of Emilio Casanova at the Medical University of Vienna, located in Vienna, Austria. Our lab investigates the complex cross-talk between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment in KRAS- and EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), using a combination of in vitro, in vivo models, and human patient samples. Our ultimate goal is to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets in LUAD.

Standard techniques applied in in the laboratory include (but are not limited to) immunohistochemistry and fluorescence, gene expression analysis, RNAseq, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, CRISPR/Cas9, bioinformatics, etc.

The selected candidate will investigate the dynamics of tumor immune infiltration in EGFR-mutated LUAD. These tumors are typically poorly infiltrated by cytotoxic T cells and exhibit resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Using a novel genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) developed in our lab that closely mimics human EGFR-driven LUAD, the project aims to uncover how these tumors evade immune surveillance over time. Through this work, we seek to identify and validate molecular targets that could be leveraged to restore cytotoxic T cell tumor infiltration/activation and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant LUAD.

Recent publications:

• Luca AC, et al. Loss of SPHK1 fuels inflammation to drive KRAS-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett. 2025 Jul 28;623:217733

• Caratti B, et al. The glucocorticoid receptor associates with RAS complexes to inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth. Sci Signal. 2022 Mar 22;15(726)

• Breitenecker K, et al. Down-regulation of A20 promotes immune escape of lung adenocarcinomas Sci Transl Med. 2021 Jul 7;13(601)

• Mohrherr J et al. JAK-STAT inhibition impairs K-RAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma progression Int J Cancer. 2019. 145 (12), 3376-3388

• Moll HP et al., Afatinib Restrains K-RAS-driven Lung Tumorigenesis. Sci Transl Med. 2018. 10 (446)

The successful candidate will be integrated into our multidisciplinary team consisting of biochemists, molecular and cell biologists, and medical doctors. Good communication skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility are required. English is the working language.

The position is available immediately. Applicants should submit: A cover letter, CV, names and contact details of 2 referees. Short listed candidates will be notified and invited for interview. Late applications may be considered until the position has been filled (Deadline 30 of September 2025).

Applications should be addressed to:

Emilio Casanova

Medical University of Vienna

Center for Physiology and Pharmacology

Institute of Physiology

Währinger Str. 13a

A-1090 Vienna,

Austria

Email: emilio.casanova@meduniwien.ac.at

https://emiliocasanova.wixsite.com/casanova-lab

https://scholar.google.at/citations?user=2RnYZfQAAAAJ&hl=en