The Netherlands Cancer Institute (AVL-NKI) is looking for a fulltime Postdoc or PhD student Cell Biology/Genomics in Breast Cancer (Discovering novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in treatment-resistant breast cancer).

Function description
The research group of Wilbert Zwart at the division of Oncogenomics is specialized in hormonal regulation in cancer. Hormones are critical drivers in multiple cancers, and hormonal therapy represents the very backbone of treatments for different tumor types, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, resistance to treatment is common and a deeper mechanistic understanding of hormonal regulation and acquired therapy resistance is critical to develop novel therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcome. 
Recently, the Zwart lab has reported that Estrogen Receptor signalling in breast cancer is critically dependent on endonuclease FEN1 (Flach et al., Cancer Res. 2020. 15;80(10):1914-1926). FEN1 is required for ER transcription complex formation, and its inhibition prevented ER/driven tumor cell proliferation, also in therapy resistant tumors. This work forms the basis of the current project, in which we aim to elucidate the complex crosstalk between ER biology and DNA damage repair in breast cancer, in relation to 3D genome regulation in cancer. 

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will continue an ongoing research line in the lab to establish the link between DNA damage repair and ER biology, in relation to 3D genome organization. You will perform cell biological, genomic and biochemical experiments in cell culture and mouse models to ultimately translate this knowledge towards the clinic. The successful applicant will also will be involved in writing of scientific papers, project reports and grant applications. 

• We seek to recruit an ambitious and highly motivated postdoc or PhD student with a strong background in molecular biology, and a strong commitment to science. 
• Candidates have a Master’s degree in cancer biology, biomedical sciences or biotechnology, with a strong demonstrated proficiency in cell biological techniques, molecular biology.
• Bioinformatics skills are an advantage too, with experience in analyzing high-throughput genomics data. 
• Fluency in spoken and written English is a strong requirement. 
• We expect the candidate to be highly self-motivated, creative, and able to work in a team. 

Fixed-term contract: Postdoc will be employed for a period of 2 years, with the option to extend to 4 years. A PhD student will be employed for a period of 4 years.

You will join an international research team in a stimulating and interactive research environment. A Postdoc will be employed for a period of 2 years, with the option to extend to 4 years. The gross salary per month will be from € 3.477,- to € 3.774,- according to FWG55 depending on education and previous experience. A PhD student will be employed for a period of 4 years. The gross salary per month will be from € 2.882,- to € 3.322,- according to the standard PhD scales.  The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).
In addition you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus in December (8,33%) and in May you will receive 8,33% holiday pay.

Netherlands Cancer Institute

The Netherlands Cancer Institute, founded in 1913, is among the top 10 comprehensive cancer centers, combining world-class fundamental, translational, and clinical research with dedicated patient care. Our initiatives to promote excellent translational research have been recognized by the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, when they designated us ‘Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Translational Research’.