Are you interested in learning a broad range of skills, developing international collaborations with worldleading universities, and researching a cutting-edge field of science? Then consider joining the Laboratory of Oncoprotein Kinetics at the Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (IQB), University of Tokyo, Japan.
The science
Our lab studies how proteins move and interact within the cell, how this can be regulated to maintain cellular function, and how this mechanism is hijacked by cancer proteins to promote oncogenesis. We recently showed that the cancer protein MYC can regulate the activity of its target TOP2A by limiting its non-productive interactions, thus accelerating its movement and enabling it to find its DNA substrate faster (Cameron et al, Nat Comm, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69232-3). This led to the identification of several validated candidates, whose characterization will likely lead to impactful publications. Your project will explore how common this mechanism is for other cancer proteins and their target, with the aim of developing test compounds to target cancer “accelerants” therapeutically.
What you will learn
You will be trained across techniques rarely found together in one group:
Who we are looking for
A motivated, curious student with a relevant master’s degree who wants to combine computation, biochemistry and imaging. Prior experience in any one area is welcome, but not essential.
More info and how to apply
