The two most frequent hereditary cancer syndromes are Lynch syndrome (hereditary colorectal cancer caused by a germline mutation in a DNA mismatch repair gene) and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer caused by germline BRCA1/2 mutations. Tumor types that frequently arise due to these germline defects show molecular features known as microsatellite instability and genomic scarring (BRCAness), respectively. Now new therapeutic options are expected to come available for patients with tumors that present with microsatellite instability or BRCAness, it is important to know to what extend tumors for which the association with the germline defect is less clear also show these features and may therefore be vulnerable for these new therapeutic options.

During this 3-year PhD-project you will investigate the tumor tissues from patients that are known to have a Lynch syndrome mutation or a germline BRCA1/2 mutation to unravel whether tumor types, which are not known to be in the spectrum of these predisposition syndromes, show the characteristic molecular features associated with the respective syndromes.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Select and collect tumor samples from the national Pathology archive (PALGA);
• Analyze tumors for specific molecular features using immunohistochemistry and next generation sequencing based molecular techniques;
• Bioinformatics and statistical analyses;
• Write scientific manuscripts;
• Design and perform scientific research in the area of cancer genomics;
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings;
• Work in a multidisciplinary team with other students and scientists to discuss, plan and perform research;
• 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. 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: 3 years.

Scale 10A: max € 40814 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments).

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG). Radboud university medical center’s HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

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.