The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) of Zhengzhou University (ZZU) is a newly constituted entity designed according to the new system in ZZU to build top-level disciplines, enhance the University’s capability and capacity in science and technology innovation, and promote internationalization of medical and scientific research. AMS recruited Professor Nick Lemoine as the eｘecutive Dean, who is a renowned specialist in translational medicine and academic administration. Nick is a Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, as well as the Medical Director of the Clinical Research Network of the National Institute for Health Research in the UK. The Center for Stem Cell & Ageing is led by Professor Christopher Heeschen, who is a leading expert in cancer stem cell biology and metabolism at Queen Mary University of London.

Research in the Center focuses on epigenetics, metabolism, and immunology of cancer stem cells and their tumour microenvironment. As survival rates for older cancer patients lag behind younger patients with the same cancers, we also study cancer (stem) cell biology in the context of ageing. Our complementary basic and translational research programme is particularly focusing on cancers with unmet medical need, e.g. esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer). The Center provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. For this purpose, the Center has built several advanced technology platforms:

(1)Isolation of circulating cancer (stem) cells using microfluidic technology

(2)Expansion of rare cancer cells using advanced organoid technology

(3)3D reconstruction of tumors in a dish using self-assembling technology

(4)Cancer stem cell-centered drug response screening platform for drug development and precision medicine

(5)Novel cell-based immunotherapy platforms that also target cancer stem cells

The Center will make important advances in our understanding of cancer stem cells and develop new strategies to most efficiently eliminate these cells and thus prevent disease relapse and metastasis. As such, our Center will have a strong emphasis on translational research and early phase clinical trials. Specially designed facilities for preparation of cell and gene-based therapies meeting international GMP standards have been constructed by ZZU, which will accelerate translational studies towards clinical trials in cancer patients.

As part of the “International Talent Zone” strategy of AMS and the development plans of the Center, new Principal Investigators, staff scientists and postdoctoral research staff are now being recruited.

1. Two Principal Investigator positions as Senior Professor

Requirement: To be considered for Principal Investigator/Senior Professor, the candidate should be a Professor in an overseas University or research institute, younger than 55 years old, be working in the field of cell biology, and made significant achievements in tumor biology, stem cell biology, immunology or metabolism. The researcher will have directed research with international influence, and published highly cited papers in the leading international journals as a corresponding author, developed cutting-edge technology, acquired patents, and other markers of esteem. ZZU will help outstanding candidates to apply for the “Thousand Talents Plan”.

2. Two Principal Investigator positions as Professor/Associate Professor

Requirement: the candidate should have a PhD degree with several years of postdoctoral training or industrial experience, be working in the fields of cancer biology, immunology, stem cells, virology, systems biology (bioinformatics) etc. The candidate should have a track-record for excellence in research and potential to become a leader of his/her field. Depending on the overall qualification, the applicant can be considered for professor, associate professor. ZZU will help the outstanding candidates to apply for “the Thousand Young Talents Plan”.

3. Four Staff Scientists

Requirement: the candidate should be younger than 40 years old with a PhD degree in the field of biomedical sciences and scientific publications in highly cited journal as the first author. The candidates are capable of working independently and supervising postdocs, postgraduate student and other young scientists in the group. The candidates should also have strong communication as well as writing skills, and are expected to be an independent researcher within five years.

4. Five Research Assistants

Requirement: the candidates should be younger than 35 years old with a PhD degree in the field of life science, having the essential requirement for enrolment of ZZU. The candidates have to show the potential as a competent researcher, evidenced by published original research papers in SCI journals as the first author. The candidates are able to supervise postgraduate students and undergraduate students in the group.

5. Four postdoctoral Fellows

Requirement: The candidates have to be awarded a PhD degree within two years in the field of biomedical sciences, with previous research experience in the particular field of stem cell biology would be preferable. The potential candidates should have at least one publication as the first author in peer-reviewed journals.

Salary and Package:

Successful candidates will be provided with an internationally competitive salary and generous start-up packages, appropriate lab space, together with other benefits. The initial appointment for PIs will be 5 years. Other posts will be 3-5 years. Renewal of the appointment will be based on merit and is conditional upon passing reviews by an international committee.

The prospective applicants should send a curriculum vitae and statement of research interests and future plan, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation sent to Dean-ZZUAMS@zzu.edu.cn, zhzhx110@zzu.edu.cn, and susanxuelianl15@163.com. The applicants passing the initial selecｔion will be invited for a formal interview for which ZZU will cover all the cost.