Job Maastricht University - PhD-student, FHML/GROW, Maastro lab

Notch receptor signaling plays important roles during multicellular development and in maintaining self-renewal in adult tissues. Notch signaling is frequently deregulated in cancer by overexpression or mutation. Tumor growth and resistance to therapy is driven by tumor-initating cells that maintain stem cell like properties. As Notch signaling is involved in controlling stemness in several organ systems, Notch signaling likely also controls stemness in cancers. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team to study the role of Notch signaling in tumor initiating cells using 3D cell/organ culture systems and preclinical mouse models for cancer to study the combined effects of Notch inhibition and ionizing radiation therapy.

You will be working at MAASTRO lab a division of MAASTRO Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art radiotherapy to more than 3500 cancer patients each year. MAASTRO Lab is a basic and translational research laboratory embedded within the GROW research institute of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. MAASTRO has a strong track record in studying tumor microenvironment with relevance to radiation oncology. MAASTRO has initiated translational and clinical studies based on our lab results including both phase I novel treatment and molecular imaging trials as well as a Biobank project with more then 1500 patients included.

The lab has four permanent scientists, 5 technicians, 6 PhD students and two postdocs is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy. Within the GROW research institute core facilities are available including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal (imaging) facility. MAASTRO has close collaborations with the University of Utrecht, Toronto and Washington University Saint Louis.

In this positionyou will be responsible for carrying out independently basic and translational research in a multidisciplinary team of basic scientists clinicians and physicists. Your main task will be to develop a genetic tracking system to mark hypoxic cells in vivo. You will participate in research activities within MAASTRO, the research institute GROW and the faculty.

We are looking for an MD, or MSc in molecular- cellular biology. Candidates should have strong social skills, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment highly ambitious with a strong interest in basic and translational oncology. Approval (Art. 9) and experience in working with animals is highly preferred.

Temporary employment for 4 years.

Your salary would be € 2.042,-- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.612,-- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-student salary scale.

Each year an evaluation will take place.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/, A-Z Terms of Employement.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 14,000 students and 3,500 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

GROW focuses on research and teaching of (epi)genetic, cellular and (micro)environmental factors and mechanisms underlying normal (embryonic and fetal) and abnormal (cancer) development, with emphasis on translational research aiming at innovative approaches for individualizing prevention, patient diagnostics and treatment.

Further information contact Dr. Marc Vooijs: marc.vooijs@maastro.unimaas.nl. Please also visit http://www.maastro.nl and http://www.grow-um.nl.

 Your application letter, Curriculum Vitae and three references can be sent by email to pzfdgvacatures@facburfdg.unimaas.nl