‘Precision Thyroid cAncer surgery with intraoperative molecular fluoRescent Guided imaging to rEduce overtreatmenT and postoperative morbidity (TARGET)’
Project description:
The majority of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have locoregional lymph node metastasis leading to an increased risk of recurrence following initial treatment with surgery and radioactive iodine. Currently, there is no diagnostic tool available for preoperative identification of central compartment lymph node metastasis. Molecular Fluorescence Guided Surgery (MFGS) might be a reliable diagnostic tool to identify clinically significant nodal metastasis, thereby individualising the surgical approach and minimising operative complications. The aim of this project is the translation of MFGS towards clinical application in PTC surgery. As PhD candidate, you are responsible for the establishment of a preclinical thyroid organoid and bioluminescence model. This model will be used to evaluate the relationship between tracer signal intensity and tumor load, thresholding of tracer concentration and obtaining tracer pharmoacokinetics and bio distribution data. Additionally, you will participate in the clinical part of the study by performing tests to validate tracer uptake in patient specimens at the department of Pathology.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy or Medicine. Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment. Research interest in stem cell biology and the DNA damage response and knowledge of of laboratory techniques such as tissue culture, western blotting, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and microscopy are preferable.

We are looking for an optimistic social and assertive candidate that looks forward to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary international team.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

Your salary is € 2.279,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2.919,- gross per month in the last year (PhD scale). In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and a development budget. The terms of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

This project is funded by KWF and the Alpe d'HuZes fund raising campaign. The duration of the project is four years. Project starting date is 1st June 2018.

More information
For more information about this PhD position please contact:
- Dr. Schelto Kruijff, group leader at the dept. of Surgery, email: s.kruijff@umcg.nl, telephone: +31641266755
- Prof. Rob Coppes: r.p.coppes@umcg.nl, telephone: +31503616124
(please do not use e-mail adresses for applications)

Applying for a job
Please use the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 30 april 2018.

The application form requires:
- A copy of your CV.
- The names and contact information of two references (one of them preferably your advisor from your Master’s project or another research project).
- A short motivation letter; please include why you are interested in this position and why you are a good candidate.
Immediately after sending the digital application form you will receive an email-confirmation with further information.

Cell Biology / Endocrine Surgery / Pathology

The University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) offer an excellent working environment for biomedical research and high quality scientific training. The Thyroid TARGET research project is a highly multi-disciplinary, international research collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to work at the frontiers of thyroid cancer treatment innovation and imaging research. The team is headed by Dr. Schelto Kruijff, whose main research interest is the improvement of outcomes and quality of life of patients with endocrine malignancies, particularly by translating new technologies towards clinical application. As PhD candidate, you will be stationed at the Department of Cell Biology under daily supervision of prof. Rob Coppes. You will closely collaborate with clinicians from the Departments of Pathology, Endocrine Surgery and the Optical Molecular Imaging Groningen (OMIG) research group at the UMCG. The position involves a (clinical) research fellowship at the department of Pathology of the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia, under supervision of prof. Anthony Gill. During the fellowship, you will receive specialized training in Endocrine Pathology.