The Translational Research Network for Prostate Cancer (TransPot) is a pan-European Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Training Network (ITN) with a focus on Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Cell Biology and Applied Systems Biology/Systems Medicine. The TransPot research training network will integrate leading academic/private/clinical research scientists and laboratories in Europe with an interest in these research fields to train 11 early stage researchers (ESRs). The consortium will incorporate the latest multi-disciplinary research technologies to understand lethal prostate cancer (PC). TransPot offers a unique and innovative research training programme comprising both basic research (e.g. target validation and drug discovery; biomarker discovery and validation) and transferable skill sets (e.g. cross species onconomics analysis; novel preclinical (culture/in vivo) models).

At Erasmus MC Rotterdam, we will focus on compound screening using dedicated and novel 3D cultured PC therapy-resistant patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The results will be validated in tissue slices of PDXs and in clinical PC organoids. As indicated above, the project is highly multidisciplinary and incorporates both target validation and drug testing using various technologies. Intensive collaboration and short-stay visits to our partners in TransPot will complement the research.

You are a highly motivated international candidate with a university MSc degree. You have received excellent scientific training in the field of Biomedical Sciences, Medicine or a related field. You have an interest in the molecular biology of (prostate) cancer, underlying signaling pathways, and application of drug screens. Experience with cell culture techniques will be considered a strength. You have outstanding theoretical and experimental research skills, and have a strong team spirit. A strong command of (scientific) English in speech and writing is essential.

You are a national of a member state of the European Union, an Associated Country or any other third country. At the time of selection, you must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. You also must not have resided or carried out main activities (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the past 4 years.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.279,- in the 1st year and increases to € 2.919,- in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

The Erasmus MC is an internationally recognized center for high-quality, compassionate care, highly rated transfer of knowledge and high-quality knowledge development in the fields of illness and health. The TransPot consortium consists of European academic and private sector research groups from The Netherlands, UK, Germany, Finland and Greece. Besides an extensive training programme with frequent meetings and workshops, yearly secondments to various partners are scheduled during the course of the project.

The candidate will be a member of the Experimental Urological Oncology research group of the Department of Urology. The candidate will work within a research team that comprises researchers and technicians dedicated to prostate cancer research.