Position 1: Development of treatments for cardiopulmonary complications after radiotherapy
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral scientist with a background in cardiology, oncology, radiation biology or similar to join our labs on a Dutch cancer society (KWF) funded highly multi-disciplinary project on the development and testing of pharmacological interventions for radiation-induced cardiac and pulmonary toxicity of radiotherapy treatment.
Cardiac and pulmonary toxicity are frequent side-effects of radiotherapy for thoracic tumors. Moreover, there is increasing evidence the benefit of radiotherapy is reduced by the risk of death from these toxicities. Interestingly, preclinical work suggests that mechanisms of these toxicities closely resemble those observed in patients suffering from cardiac failure from other causes. These patients are effectively treated in Cardiology practice. Therefore, the present project aims to test the effectiveness of these treatments to prevent radiotherapy-induced cardiopulmonary toxicity.

Position 2: pluripotent stem cell therapy for radiation-induced hyposalivation.
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral scientist with a background in stem cell biology, molecular biology, radiation biology or similar. The successful candidate will join our labs to work on a Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) funded highly multi-disciplinary project, aimed at remodeling and rescuing radiation damaged salivary glands using iPS- derived stem cell-based therapy.
Salivary glands can be severely damage by radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, resulting in hyposalivation and consequential Xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome). This results in impairment of speech, taste and eating, an increased risk of oral infections and dental caries, all severely affecting the quality of life of the patients. The current project aims to find means to alleviate these effects.

The positions are at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the UMCG, while working within the section of Molecular Cell Biology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems.
Position 1 is headed by Dr. P. van Luijk, whose group’s main research interest is prediction, prevention and repair of radiation-induced normal tissue side-effects, in close collaboration with the department of Experimental Cardiology headed by Prof. Dr. R.A. de Boer, whose group focusses on translational cardiology and heart failure, and Prof. Dr. S. Brandenburg whose group operates a facility for high-precision proton irradiation used in the project.
Position 2 is headed by Prof. Dr. Rob Coppes, whose group’s main research interest is prediction, prevention and repair of radiation-induced normal tissue side-effect, Dr. Marco Demaria, whose group focusses on senescence and aging and Dr. S. Pringle whose group is developing iPS cell derived salivary gland cells.

We are looking for excellent, highly motivated postdoctoral candidates with strong laboratory skills and preferably with:
Project 1: a background in cardiology and/or radiation biology. Additional experience in in vivo experimentation and molecular biology would be favorable.
Project 2: preferably with a background in stem cell biology and/or radiation biology. Additional experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and organoid culture techniques would be favorable.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.
In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

Your salary will be a maximum of € 4,481,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment.
In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). English: http://www.nfu.nl/english/about-the-nfu/

This project is funded by KWF. The duration of the project is 4 years.

More information
For more information about position 1, please contact:
Dr. Peter van Luijk, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, telephone: +31 50 361 1739, email: p.van.luijk@umcg.nl (please do not use for applying)

For more information about position 2, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Rob Coppes, head of Radiation Biology at the Dept. of Radiation Oncology and the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, telephone: +31 50 361 6124, email: r.p.coppes@umcg.nl (please do not use for applying).

Applying for a job
Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed.
The application form requires:
- A short motivation letter; please include in which position you are interested (1 or 2) and why.
- A copy of your CV.
- The names and contact information of two references.

You can apply until 3 November 2019.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

Radiotherapie

The University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) offer an excellent working environment for high quality biomedical research.