Title: To develop a macrophage checkpoint inhibitor (MCPI) therapy for treating solid tumors that are resistant to current immunotherapies.

Project Background and Scope: While existing checkpoint inhibitors target lymphocytes with limited success in many solid cancers, this project shifts focus to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which often dominate the tumor microenvironment and play a crucial role in cancer progression. The research builds on the Jubayer’s previous work in suicide gene therapy, which revealed that different tumor types respond differently to treatment based on their immune microenvironment. Tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments, characterized by M2-polarized macrophages, show limited response, while those with activated immune cells achieve lasting remission. Using an innovative screening approach involving immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages and a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 library, the project will identify key macrophage checkpoints responsible for immunosuppressive M2 polarization. Once/if identified, the researcher will attempt to develop single-chain antibody fragments (ScFv) against these checkpoints and deliver them using a lentiviral vector platform, in this ambitious project. The two year project is divided into following parts: 

1. identifying macrophage checkpoints using CRISPR screening,
2. developing antibody-based inhibitors against identified targets
3. testing efficacy in syngeneic mouse models of glioblastoma
4. characterizing anti-tumor immune responses in both mouse and humanized models

This project include both research and innovation aspects. 

Project Goal: This approach represents a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy by targeting the myeloid compartment rather than solely focusing on T cells. If successful, the MCPI platform could be applied to multiple solid tumor types that currently respond poorly to existing immunotherapies, potentially opening a new avenue for cancer treatment with or without complementary therapies.

Main research field: Cancer Immunotherapy

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Jubayer Hossain (jubayer.hossain@nord.no)

Faculty: Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences

About supervisor: Dr. Jubayer A. Hossain is an Associate Professor at Nord University. He also holds an Adjunct Position at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Bergen. Dr. Hossain specializes in translational oncology and therapeutic development. With a PhD in glioblastoma gene therapy from Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, his expertise spans neuro oncology, cancer immunotherapy, and viral vector-based treatments. His research focuses primarily on developing novel therapeutic approaches for brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, using lentiviral vector-mediated suicide gene therapy.

Research infrastructure and facilities: The research will be caried out at Nord University with a secondment opportunity at the department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen. There will also be a placement opportunity. 

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria: MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a duration of 12-30 months (12-24 months of Research + 6 months of additional placement in non-academic sector) to researchers of any nationality who:

• Are in possession of a doctoral degree.
• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research after their doctoral degree.
• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the call deadline.
• Have identified a supervisor at Nord University willing to host and supervise them.

If awarded, the Postdoctoral Fellowship grant covers salary, mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant also covers research costs and overheads for Nord University.

How To Apply: If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to jubayer.hossain@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:

• Eligibility Information:
  • Date of PhD degree award
  • Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
  • Period of residence in Norway (if any)
• Research CV:
  • Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
• Motivation Letter:
  • Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
  • Clearly outline your research and career goals.
  • Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.

How the MSCA PF Process Works: After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Selected candidates will collaborate with us to prepare a full MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) application for submission under the Horizon Europe Programme, with a deadline in September.

We will provide comprehensive support throughout this process, including:

• Assistance in refining and focusing your research topic
• Participation in the MSCA MasterClass
• Professional reviews and feedback on your application
• Other necessary guidance to ensure submission of a high-quality application

Please note that MSCA PF is highly competitive, bringing together some of the best research talent globally. While funding success is not guaranteed, participating in the application process provides valuable experience and insights into your own research and proposal writing skills, as well as fostering close collaboration with your supervisor and research group.