It has been estimated that approximately 25-30% of the colorectal cancer (CRC) cases may result from a genetic predisposition. A young age of onset and the presence of high numbers of gastrointestinal polyps argue for a strong causal contribution of genetic factors. At present, only in ~10% of the CRC cases high-penetrant germline mutations are identified. This low diagnostic yield means that we still need to capture the genetic predisposition for many patients and their families.

The recently awarded research program ‘Solve-RD’, operating under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020, allows us to further expand our activities on the identification of novel genes for CRC predisposition. During this 4-year PhD-project you will identify and investigate novel cancer predisposing genes by determining the mutational- and immune profiles of carcinomas and polyps from patients suspected of having a hereditary tumor syndrome and determine.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform scientific research in the area of cancer genomics;
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings;
• Collaborate with researchers within the European Reference Network (ERN) Genturis;
• Work in an interdisciplinary team with other students and scientists to discuss, plan and perform research;
• Perform part of the work abroad;
• Finish the project with a scientific dissertation.

Candidates must have completed a Masters degree in Molecular Biology/Genetics, Medical Biology or equivalent. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in oncology. Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and statistical analysis is an advantage. The candidate should be willing to spend part of the PhD project abroad at one of the collaborating institutes of the Solve-RD consortium. Candidates should have good social and strong communication skills (fluent in English), a critical scientific attitude and the ability to work both independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team. You recognise yourself in the Radboud way of working.                

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Scale 10A: max. € 40814 gross income per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments). Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions.

Radboudumc (university medical center)

Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

Read more about what it means to work at radboudumc and how you can do your part.

https://www.radboudumc.nl/EN/Pages/default.aspx

The Department of Human Genetics has more than 300 staff in outpatient clinics and laboratories for genome research and genome diagnostics. In the field of tumor genetics the department closely collaborates with the department of Pathology in the Laboratory of Tumor Genetics. This guarantees collaboration with specialists who work with state of the art genetic techniques and with access to pathological expertise. The research is embedded in the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences.