We are looking for a research assistant for the project 'Myxofibrosarcoma; from bench to bedside'. Myxofibrosarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumours. Despite intensive treatment, the local recurrence rate is high and some patients develop multiple recurrences, resulting in higher limb amputation rates compared to other soft tissue sarcomas. In 10-40% of myxofibrosarcomas, metastases occur, with a poor median survival of only 12 months. Therefore, in depth knowledge of myxofibrosarcomas is needed to improve morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients with myxofibrosarcomas by enabling them to benefit from the current breakthroughs in oncology such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

To make myxofibrosarcoma research possible we need to perform a systematic review of the (pre)clinical results of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in myxofibrosarcomas to identify additional targets of interest. Next, we will collect clinical data and tumor material of myxofibrosarcomas nationwide by collaboration with the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the nationwide pathology archive PALGA.
We will furthermore develop novel myxofibrosarcoma models for in vitro and in vivo research.

We expect to be able to expand the project to a 3 year project which could lead to a PhD. Further in vitro and in vivo research will then be performed to find new treatment strategies for this tumortype.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Perform a systematic review of preclinical and clinical results of targeted and immunotherapy within the myxofibrosarcoma field.
• Collect tumor material and clinical data of myxofibrosarcomas nationwide (PALGA/IKNL).
• Set up a database on myxofibrosarcoma material and clinical data.
• Develop models for in vitro and in vivo research.
• Search for potential biomarkers and targets for treatment.

We are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic candidate with a Masters degree in biomedical Sciences.
The multi-disciplinary character of our research requires a broad interest and good communication skills.
You are required to have an independent and well-structured working style, demanding high quality of your own work. Experience in and affinity for preclinical research (i.e. cell culture, immunohistochemistry) and in vivo work is highly valued. Authorization to work with animals in the Netherlands (art 9 certificate) is required.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with a possible extension to 3 years.

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

The project will be performed within the Preclinical Sarcoma Research Group of the department of Medical Oncology (Dr. Y.M.H. Versleijen-Jonkers, Dr. I.M.E. Desar) in close collaboration with the department of Pathology (Dr. U.E. Flucke) and Surgery (Prof. Dr. J.H.W. de Wilt) of the Radboudumc. We work within the research theme "rare cancers" from the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS).

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.