Join our vibrant research team investigates new leads to improve treatment outcome of this hard-to-treat cancer.

Your challenge
The translational esophagogastric cancer research group at Amsterdam UMC is seeking a highly driven Post-Doctoral researcher for a research project that aims to Identify the cellular populations that drive resistance to chemoradiation in esophageal adenorcinoma (EAC). The overarching aim of this translational project is to pinpoint causes of resistance and ultimately develop new treatment regimens to circumvent this. To do so, you will establish single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data from patient tumor tissue collected before and after chemoradiation. The gene expression programs in these populations will be queried to identify prognostic and predictive markers for resistance, as well as targets for intervention in follow-up studies. Also, single cell data candidate genes and profiles will be projected on our previously established RNA-Seq dataset established from a cohort of EAC patients that have undergone chemoradiation (available from the Bi-OES biobank of the Amsterdan UMC). From the above we aim to develop a (panel of) predictive markers for immunohistochemistry (IHC) that can be applied in clinical practice to guide therapy decisions in the neoadjuvant setting. In addition, you will work with previously established bulk ‘omics’ data (RNA-Seq, proteomics), biobanked material and clinical databases to identify biomarkers and candidate targets for intervention.

As a senior Post-Doctoral researcher you will support PhD and undergraduate students in the lab, present your work at both national and international meetings, publish in leading international journals and take the lead in submission of new research proposals.

We are looking for a highly-motived candidate with a strong background in gene expression analysis with the following expertise:

• Obtained PhD in molecular biology or equivalent;
• Experience with molecular and immunological biological techniques;
• Expertise with bioinformatics to analyze high-dimensional and omics data is required;
• A good track record and scientific curiosity is desirable;
• You are able to work independently, but can also be a valuable team member and have the social skills to collaborate;
• You are enthusiastic, flexible and accurate in your work, and willing to join an interdisciplinary translational research team.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

Salary Scale 11: 3922 tot 5383 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 OV travel costs (commuting costs).
• An excellent environment that will support your growth as an academic researcher at the highest level.

We offer an initial contract for 12 months that can be extended (after evaluation) for another 24 months and, depending on your achievements and progress, a tenure track.

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.
For Dutch citizens it is mandatory to provide a VOG (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag).

Amsterdam UMC

Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect. We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow!

Medical Oncology

As a senior Post-Doctoral researcher in this project you will join the translational esophagogastric cancer research group of Professor Hanneke van Laarhoven, who also heads the Department of Medical Oncology of the Amsterdam UMC. Her group closely collaborates with the translational research groups of dr. Maarten Bijlsma (Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology), dr. Sarah Derks (Department of Medical Oncology) and prof. dr. Tanja de Gruijl (Laboratory of Medical Oncology). Together, this vibrant team investigates new leads to improve treatment outcome of this hard-to-treat cancer. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental techniques such as transcriptomics and genomics, metabolic and functional cellular analyses, genetic and pharmacological interventions in advanced in vitro (co-)culturing systems (organoids, organotypics), as well as in vivo disease models and biobanked patient material.