We are looking for a PhD student in the field of translational gastrointestinal oncology. Liquid biopsies contain minute amounts of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood plasma, derived from primary and metastatic lesions. Somatic DNA mutations are cancer-specific alterations and therefore reliably detectable even at very low levels. The aim of this project is to advance towards clinical implemention of liquid biopsy ctDNA-based tests as molecular biomarkers to improve disease management of colorectal cancer patients with metastatic disease.
This international multidisciplinary project is lead by Remond Fijneman (NKI, Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology group; head Gerrit Meijer) in close collaboration with Daan van den Broek (NKI, Clinical Chemistry), Veerle Coupé (VU University Medical Center, Health Technology Assessment), Kees Punt (Academic Medical Center, PI CAIRO5 clinical trial), and Victor Velculescu (Johns Hopkins University, multiplex ctDNA analyses).

We seek an ambitious PhD student to proactively tackle the project’s research questions. The candidate should have a (bio)medical master degree with strong affinity for both clinical studies and molecular biology. Strong commitment, high accuracy, excellent communication skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary biomedical research setting is required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will join a dynamic international research team, and will collaborate with scientists with expertise in different disciplines. You will have the opportunity to follow high-quality courses offered by the OOA oncology graduate school throughout your PhD.
Your temporary employment will be for a period of four years. The gross salary per month will be according to the standard PhD scales. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is an independent research institute located in the lively city of Amsterdam. The Institute covers all major areas of molecular and cellular cancer biology, with special emphasis on mouse tumor models, functional screens, cancer cell biology and translational research.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute and the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital form an integrated cancer center, combining 54 research groups and a hospital under one roof in a single, independent organization. All hospital departments have an extensive research program, often in close collaboration with the research groups. This research is focused on improving cancer treatment through imaging and molecular diagnostics, new medicines, improved operating techniques, more effective radiotherapy and combinations of these, epidemiology and psychosocial research. Approximately 550 people work in the research laboratories and many of the clinicians are involved in research. Work discussions, lectures and seminars are in English and a large number of international post-docs, students and staff members contribute to the stimulating and international atmosphere of the Institute.