One of the research aims of the research group of Olaf van Tellingen at the division of pharmacology is to improve the predictive value of preclinical murine models of cancer. Although the work in his team is centered around brain tumors, the scope of this project will also be on other tumor types. Mouse models of cancer are central in the development of anticancer therapy. Unfortunately, promising results observed in preclinical models often fail to translate to clinical benefit in patients. Although there likely are several factors that contribute to this lack of predictivity, one often neglected aspect is the pharmacological translation from experimental species to patients.

In this project, you will investigate the pharmacokinetic – pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationship of anticancer drugs and their respective targets in preclinical models. You will focus on the differences in drug exposure between rodents and humans and drug distribution between ectopic and orthotopic tumor models. The ultimate aim of the project is to demonstrate how taking the pharmacological translation into consideration can improve the predictive value of preclinical cancer models.

We are seeking an ambitious, highly motivated PhD student with a strong commitment to science and a keen interest to work at the intersection of Pharmacology and Medical biology. You are attracted to interact in a strong team, but capable to work independently. This work will involve analytical (LC-MS/MS) and biological assays, in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (mouse/rat) models. An MSc in Pharmacology or Oncology and experience with any of these techniques is advantageous. The possession of or commitment to acquire an animal license (Art. 9) is mandatory.

You will join a dynamic international research division and collaborate with scientists and clinicians within and outside the NKI-AVL with expertise in different disciplines. Graduate students at the NKI participate in the education program of the Oncology Graduate School (OOA) Amsterdam. Supervision and promotion of career will be carried out by experts in their respective fields.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years, with possible extension of one year.

Your temporary employment is for a period of 4 years with a possible extension of another year. The gross salary per month will be from € 2.798 to € 3.446 according to the standard PhD scales. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals) and can be consulted at http://www.nvz-ziekenhuizen.nl/cao-kenniscentrum/cao/download.

Amsterdam is a very lively city with many cultural amenities. The institute is located within a 20 minute tram or bicycle ride from the city center and within 20 minutes from Schiphol airport by car, bus or bicycle.

het Antoni van Leeuwenhoek - Nationaal Kanker Instituut (ALV-NKI)