In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of both autophagy and extracellular vesicle (EV) research and their targeting potential within solid tumors. The work performed will stretch from basal and mechanistic understanding to in vivo application and potential development of clinical intervention. The research will be performed within the group of Dr. K. Rouschop

You will be involved in unravelling the biogenesis of these EVs, their function and their targeting potential. A large number of techniques and collaborations with experts in the field of autophagy and extracellular research will be at your disposal.

We are searching for a highly motivated and independent coworker, ready to work hard and with interests in translational research and molecular or cell biology. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 9) or willingness obtain Art. 9 is required. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a requirement.

Knowledge of basic techniques such as in vitro cell culture, RT-PCR, cloning and transfection is expected.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

We offer a (in total) 4 year full-time appointment as PhD candidate. At the end of the first year your performance will be reviewed and upon a positive assessment, your contract will be extended for a three-year period.

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 https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/um-employees

Maastricht University -Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences - GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology

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 18,000 students and 4,300 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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW) focuses on research and teaching of genetic and cellular mechanisms, as well as environmental and life-style factors that underlie normal (embryonic and fetal) and abnormal (cancer) development. The emphasis is on basic and translational research, aiming at innovative approaches for individualizing prevention, patient diagnosis, and treatment for genetically determined diseases and cancer.

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/school-oncology-and-developmental-biology

MAASTRO, Maastricht Radiation Oncology, is a co-operation between MAASTRO clinic, the University of Maastricht (UM) and the University Hospital Maastricht (AZM) (see www.maastro.nl).

MAASTRO consists of several divisions, including MAASTRO Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art radiotherapy to more than 3500 cancer patients each year from the mid and South Limburg area in the Netherlands. In addition, research and training at MAASTRO is carried out in MAASTRO Physics, MAASTRO Trials, MAASTRO School, and the dept. of Radiotherapy UM/MAASTRO Lab.

The dept. of Radiotherapy 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. Research carried out in the past has focused on the tumour microenvironment (hypoxia), autophagy, NOTCH and EGFR signalling, pathways of relevance to radiation oncology. The dept of Radiotherapy has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms ie UPR and autophagy, sensitizes tumors to irradiation. In addition, we have initiated translational and clinical studies based on these results.

The lab is shared with the group “Precision Medicine’ and collectively accommodates 7 permanent scientists, 4 technicians, more than 10 PhD students and Post-Docs and is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology (e.g. flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy) and working with animals (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT & gantry, MRI 7 Tesla and micro-PET). The dept of radiotherapy has set up the necessary infrastructure for controlled exposures to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, including development of novel equipment that allows rapid and controlled changes in oxygenation. Access to expertise, equipment and resources within the much larger GROW research institute and other facilities in the University are also readily available, including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal facility.