The research group of Prof. Monique den Boer (17fte) has a 25-year track record in preclinical and translational research in childhood leukemia. We have expertise in so-called pathobiological studies addressing which (combination of) genetic lesions characterize the patients’ leukemia and how these lesions affect the behavior of leukemic cells and the interaction with the bone marrow microenvironment. This knowledge is needed to develop strategies that kill leukemic cells more specifically, also given the emerging role for precision medicines and immunotherapeutic strategies.

The research facilities are excellent and state-of-the-art in the new Princess Máxima Center, a nationwide center for pediatric oncology which opened in 2018.

Tasks and responsibilities
We have two open positions for a research technician; one position will support studies linked to oncogenomics research, the second position will support studies linked to the leukemic bone marrow niche. Key for the oncogenomics position will be molecular technologies (a.o. cloning, viral transductions, sequencing, cell culture and drug exposure assays), key for the leukemic niche position will be cellular technologies (a.o. flow cytometry, cell sorting, confocal and widefield imaging, cell culture, migration assays). Both technicians will also participate in general tasks related to lab management and sample logistics.

We are looking for well-trained technicians with a BSc degree in Molecular Life Sciences (HLO) or BSc/MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences or related studies. The technician should preferably have experience in several of the aforementioned technologies. Possession of the art. 9 or 12 WOD certificate would be favorable. Our group welcomes candidates who are curious and are eager to learn, have excellent communicative skills and a good command of the Dutch and English language. You are pro-active in work discussions.

Fixed-term contract: one year with the possibility of extension to 2 years.

You will initially be appointed for a period of 1 year, with a possible extension to 2 years (full-time). Your gross monthly salary will depend on experience and background, starting in scale 45 with 8,33% gross monthly salary holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’.

Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology

The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a new nationwide research hospital concentrating healthcare, research and education with regard to cancer in children and is located at the Utrecht Science Park de Uithof. The institute has the ambition to give the best treatment to children with cancer with the highest cure rate and the least side effects of (often complex) anti-cancer treatment. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique comprehensive childhood cancer center in Europe.