The postdoc will investigate the interaction between leukemic cells and the bone marrow microenvironment, with a specific focus on the role of tunneling nanotubes in childhood leukemia. In this project we will study the molecules being transported via tunneling nanotubes and/or secreted by leukemic cells and supportive tissue, and determine which of these factors promote the survival, expansion and resistance to therapeutic drugs of leukemic cells. Profiel

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a biomedical background. Postdocs with expertise in imaging technologies, a.o. confocal scanning laser microscopy are encouraged to apply. Candidates are required to have excellent communicative skills and a good command of oral and written English. You are enthusiastic to present your data and share your knowledge with other scientists.

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

We offer a challenging postdoc position in a social and ambitious research group. The total duration of the project is 3 years. You will initially be appointed for a period of 1 year, during which your performance will be evaluated. The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 4.216,- (scale 10), depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 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.

Research group headed by Prof.dr. Monique den Boer: Our research program aims to identify new markers in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia which may serve as targets for precision medicines and/or offer alternative strategies for risk stratification and treatment. We focus on the pathobiology of leukemia in which we determine which factors drive the persistence of leukemia. These studies include identification of genetic lesions, functional studies which address how these lesions contribute to survival and therapy resistance of leukemic cells and how leukemic cells interact with the bone marrow microenvironment. This knowledge can be used to kill leukemic cells more specifically. The lab is well-equipped and in our research we routinely use many techniques including different next generation sequencing platforms, lentiviral transduction procedures, flow cytometry, imaging, migration assays.

The project will start at the Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, and will be continued at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht by mid 2018.