The cell-free DNA biology lab routinely uses shallow and deep whole-genome sequencing to profile samples from different bodily fluids and liquid biopsy from patients with various cancer types and other pathologies. The group is a dynamic mix of molecular biologists and bioinformaticians providing a unique environment for development in cancer genomics, with a strong focus on translational research.

The successful candidate will develop technical and computational approaches for improving the detection of early stage cancer using cell-free DNA samples. A specific focus will be on leveraging the biological and structural properties of cell-free DNA using genomic and epigenetic approaches for boosting cancer detection with liquid biopsy. You will work closely with other members of the lab, and carry out exploratory analysis of samples and various data-sets.

We are seeking to recruit an outstanding scientist with a PhD and extensive experience in computational biology and next generation sequencing data analysis in the field of cancer genomics.

The ideal candidate will have extensive and demonstrated experience in the integration and analysis of genomic sequencing and/or methylation data. Additional wet-lab experience in cell culture and sequencing library preparation would be a plus. We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills and who is extremely organised. You should be able to work independently and interact well in a multi-disciplinary team environment. Proven profficiency in english will be asked.

Salary Scale 10: 2826 tot 4481 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition we offer:

• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your travel costs (commuting costs).

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

The cell-free DNA biology lab at the Cancer Centre Amsterdam pioneers new approaches for non-invasive molecular diagnostics using next-generation sequencing of circulating cell-free tumour DNA (ctDNA). Led by Dr Mouliere, the lab establishes large collections of plasma and other samples from cancer patient across different clinical studies, and studies them using genome-wide methods for sensitive detection of tumour-derived alterations. We develop high sensitivity analysis tools, and aim to put these into clinical use by proof-of-concept translational studies to demonstrate their utility. We further explore the biophysical properties of ctDNA to study its origins and interactions and to increase the sensitivity of methods for its detection. The lab and its collaborators have produced important milestones in the liquid biopsy field; notably by using whole genome sequencing to detect, analyse and monitor ctDNA in plasma samples from hundreds of patients with different cancer types.