Development of innovative proteomics strategies for pediatric oncology
Each year, approximately 300 children are diagnosed with cancer in the province of Quebec. The SIGNATURE program aims to provide every child with in-depth biological profiling to guide personalized therapies. While genomic and transcriptomic approaches already provide valuable information, they do not directly measure the true effectors of biological functions: proteins. In this context, and in close collaboration with clinical researchers specialized in pediatric cancers, the Proteomics Platform of the CHU de Québec – Université Laval Research Center, directed by Prof. Arnaud Droit, seeks to integrate proteomic analysis into the SIGNATURE program. The goal is to develop and optimize methods tailored to complex and limited clinical samples, such as tumor micro-biopsies and single cells, to better understand pediatric cancers and contribute to the implementation of targeted therapeutic strategies.
This PhD project will focus on the development of cutting-edge proteomics approaches, particularly single-cell proteomics, enabled by a new-generation mass spectrometer, the Orbitrap Astral, recently acquired in Quebec. The doctoral candidate will participate in all stages of the workflow, from sample preparation and mass spectrometry data acquisition to bioinformatic processing, with the goal of applying these methods directly to clinical samples. The project will also include a component dedicated to integrating proteomic data with genomic and transcriptomic information, to enhance biological interpretation and generate clinically relevant results.
The PhD will be conducted primarily at the Proteomics Platform of the CHU de Québec – Université Laval (Quebec City, Canada), in an interdisciplinary environment bringing together experts in proteomics, bioinformatics, and pediatric oncology. A research stay will also be carried out at the Toulouse Proteomics Platform (France), a key partner in the development of single-cell proteomics approaches. The student will interact closely with clinical researchers involved in the SIGNATURE program, as well as with members of the Computational Biology Laboratory (ADLab), thus benefiting from rich and multidisciplinary supervision.
This doctoral project is open to candidates holding (or about to obtain) a master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related fields. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in translational research and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work at the interface of proteomics, bioinformatics, and medicine. The position is funded through a doctoral fellowship, and the project will be supervised by Prof. Arnaud Droit in collaboration with his scientific and clinical partners.
Application and links
- Send your resumé and a motivation letter to Pr. Arnaud Droit: arnaud.droit@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
- https://compbio.ca/
- https://www.crchudequebec.ulaval.ca/plateformes-et-services/genomique/proteomique/
