Our collaborative group, composed of the MDM group at the University of Luxembourg, led by Prof. Letellier and the laboratory of Prof. Tejpar at the KU Leuven, investigates stromal–epithelial crosstalk in colorectal cancer initiation, progression and therapy resistance. Using state-of-the-art single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics on CRC patient samples, we have identified novel epithelial cell states and distinct cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations.

The primary research focus will be to define how fibroblasts from healthy colon tissue transition into distinct CAF subtypes and how these subtypes regulate epithelial plasticity and immune responses, promoting tumor progression and therapy resistance. This work will integrate spatial transcriptomics, advanced co-culture organoid assays, and in vivo models to decode the mechanisms underlying CAF-driven CRC evolution. Access to single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data from active clinical trials through the group of Prof Tejpar will put the postdoc in an ideal position to understand how the stromal interactions change under current novel treatments and could be harnessed as future therapies.

The postdoctoral fellow will work jointly between the University of Luxembourg and the KU Leuven, benefiting from a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, and contributing to the TARGET-SEC project’s overarching goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies targeting pro-tumorigenic stroma–epithelial interactions in CRC.

The person will focus on applying innovative bioinformatics approaches to human-relevant models and unique patient-derived tissue cohorts from colorectal cancer. The aim is to dissect the tumor “ecosystem” with a particular emphasis on epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, and to comprehensively profile their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, lineage plasticity, and evolutionary dynamics.

For all in vitro and in vivo experiments, the Postdoctoral Fellow will be supported by a dedicated technician, who will be recruited concurrently for this project.

Tasks:

• Coordinate experiments for the TARGET-SEQ project
• Conduct bioinformatics analysis and implement new tools
• Collect, interpret, and analyse research related data and results
• Ensure proper scientific documentation
• Document performed experiments and analyses in a lab book
• Participate and present obtained data in bi-monthly consortium meetings
• Present the data in scientific publications
• Contribute to general tasks in the laboratory