Project information
The Peeper lab uses functional oncogenomic and other advanced technology to combat immunotherapy resistance. The introduction of immune checkpoint antibodies and other therapies like TIL and CAR-T cells has been clinically transformative.

However, most patients fail to respond (durably), often because of upfront or acquired resistance. Several resistance mechanisms have been described, including tumor cell-intrinsic and T cell-dependent ones. To develop therapeutic solutions, it is imperative that we understand the underlying mechanisms. Here, we focus on a therapeutic strategy to break tumor cell-intrinsic immune resistance.

We have recently uncovered a critical and conserved mechanism of tumor cell-intrinsic resistance involving TNF-mediated survival signaling. By genetic screening, we discovered that ablation of TRAF2, a key TNF signal transducer sharply lowered the tumor TNF cytotoxicity threshold, thereby augmenting tumor T cell- and ICB-impact in vitro and in preclinical murine models. Furthermore, loss of TRAF2 in patient tumors increases immune sensitivity, which was
independently confirmed in a large-scale genetic analysis of clinical specimens. In this project, we focus on a druggable target in this pathway that we have discovered, aiming to not only understand its mechanism of action but also to explore clinical translation.

For further information and applications, please visit:
https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/daniel-peeper/.

An ambitious technician with mouse model experience.
We seek an enthusiastic and accurate animal technician. It is strictly necessary that you hold a license for working with laboratory animals (art. 6/9/12). You should also have expertise in immunology and/or molecular biology. You will be responsible for carrying out animal experiments in collaboration with researchers on this project. Furthermore, you will contribute to wet-lab experiments and some lab management tasks. Proficiency in English and good communicative
skills are important requirements, as is a team player mentality.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years, with the possibility for extension.

The vacancy is available this Fall.

You will be employed for a minimum period of 2 years, with the possibility for extension. The gross salary per month can range from €2.832,- to €3.824 ,- (salary scale 45 according to the Collective Labour Agreement General Hospitals based on proven qualifications). In addition, you will receive 8,33% holiday pay and end-of-year bonus (8,33%).

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)

Located in Amsterdam, NKI is an internationally renowned institute dedicated to fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research, and the only comprehensive cancer center in The Netherlands. It is a dynamic institute accommodating over 50 research groups and many advanced core facilities, including flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics, biobank and a mouse cancer center.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is among the world’s best comprehensive cancer centers, combining innovative fundamental, translational, and clinical research with dedicated patient care. Our research institute gratefully acknowledges funding from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Dutch Cancer Society, and individual donors.