PhD-student KWF-funded project "Understanding cGAS activation to improve Immuno-radiotherapy combinations"

The cGAS/Sting pathway links radiotherapy to immune activation. Potent immune response induction, however, requires immunogenic cell death and triggering of multiple immune activation pathways simultaneously. Aim of this project is to understand cGAS activation and function, to study immune pathways synergizing with cGAS and to define Radiotherapy regimens optimal for Immuno-radiotherapy combinations. Immunological/Cell-biological approaches (FACS/functional assays, Transfection/Crispr/CAS, Microscopy) will be combined with syngeneic tumor models and state of the art immunology technologies. Findings will be extrapolated to human blood and tissue samples.

The preferred PhD-candidate will have a MsC degree in biomedical sciences (biology/immunology) or equivalent, proven interest in pre-clinical research and a passion for science. Candidates holding an article 9 certificate for working with experimental animals and with experience in molecular and functional Immunology are especially invited to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years, 1 January 2020 - 31 December 2023.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology lab (Department of Radiation Oncology)
In the newly established ROI lab, ~ 25 researchers aim at better understanding tumor cell interactions with the immune system using imaging, molecular-, cell biological- and immunological- techniques in relation to cancer therapies, especially radiotherapy. Research is centred around the development of in situ cancer vaccines combining local tumor ablation and dendritic cell (DC) activation through immune adjuvants. In addition, the interplay between immune- and tumor cells is studied within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and modulation of the TME on the efficacy of treatment. An important activity of the department is the translation of basic research into clinical application.

Radboudumc
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.

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