The Stunnenberg group has a long-standing track record in applying genomic, epigenomic and bioinformatics approaches to decipher the dysregulated molecular mechanisms and pathways in disease. At the Princess Maxima Centre, we have embarked on single cell biological approaches such as single cell RNA-and ATAC-sequencing to unravel the tumor cell heterogeneity, clonal variation in tumor initiating cells and to identify markers predictive of treatment (in)sensitivity and/or predictive of recurrence. We currently have an opening for a post-doc to analyse a large cohort of pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia study at the genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic level as well as functional/mechanistic studies in collaboration with other clinical and translational experts. The project is will be supported by a research assistant.

Research Project
One major limitation for research in childhood AML is the limited availability of sequence information from sufficiently sized cohorts. Existing sequence information is mostly challenging to access with very limited additional information such as cytogenetic and immunophenotypic analyses and clinical outcome which is required for any meaningful assessment of the dysregulated pathways and as a basis for in-depth preclinical and clinical studies.

In close collaboration with and support from the research groups of Michel Zwaan (Trial and Data Center) and Olaf Heidenreich (Leukemia), we will embark on the generation of a large database consisting of whole exome and global as well as single cell transcriptome sequencing of ~300 Acute Myeloid Leukemia samples. This database will constitute an enabling resource for functional studies in childhood AML and will support large collaborative preclinical and clinical projects on the European and international level.

The candidate will coordinate and analyse Next Generation DNA (whole exome) and RNA (bulk) as well as perform single cell biological characterization and functional studies to uncover dysfunctional pathways. The project will yield an invaluable resource, generate a multitude of hypothesis that will be addressed in biological/functional studies.

We expect a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in molecular biology or equivalent. Excellent experimental skills and experience in analysis of NGS and single cell transcriptome and epigenome data are required. Affinity with bioinformatics data analyses are highly preferred. The candidate should also have good communication skills, organizational talent, be flexible, versatile and a good team player.

A full-time position (36 hours a week) initially for one year with the option of extension. You will be working in a very stimulating and cross-disciplinary research environment, combining cutting-edge research with state-of-the-art molecular technologies. Your gross monthly salary will depend on experience and background, starting in scale 60 with 8,33% gross monthly salary holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labour agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’.

The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research and education with regard to cancer in children in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and significantly reduce unwanted side effects. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.