About your role
As research technician you will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Perform cell culture experiments and the generation of novel tumor mutants using CRISPR-Cas9 technology
• Conduct the functional characterization of these novel tumor cell lines by flow cytometry and in vitro assays
• Setting up and executing multiplex immunohistochemistry to analyze the immune cell signatures in cancer tissues
• Aiding the PhD student with in vitro and in vivo experiments.

The project
Immunotherapy is an attractive new option in the treatment of cancer. Yet response rates vary among patients, because of an immunosuppressive environment inflicted by the tumor. In this project we will investigate how tumor-exposed glycans affect anti-tumor immune responses and immunotherapeutic approaches in colorectal cancer. This translational project incorporates fundamental research questions as well as translational applications in in vivo and in vitro models and analysis of patient material. You will use state-of-the-art techniques, such as genome-editing using CRISPR/Cas9, high-dimensional cytometry, multiplex confocal imaging, mass spectrometry, combined with the immunological analysis of both murine and human tumors. The project is funded by a grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). The technician will be working alongside a PhD student, already appointed to this project.

About you
We are looking for a highly talented, enthusiastic, and exceptionally motivated research technician:

• With a training in biomedical sciences (HLO or equivalent) with affinity for immunology and/or oncology.
• With experience in cell culture and ideally flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with animal experiments (article 9 or 12) is preferred
• you have a flexible, pro-active team player but you can also work independently

Fixed-term contract: 1 year. After a good evaluation, and depending on available finance, your contract can be extended with an additional period of max. 1 years.

Our offer
Salary scale: 7 (2422 to 3280 euro based on a 36 hour week), depending on qualifications and  experience.

In addition we offer:

• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• Your pension premium will be paid by us for 2/3.
• We reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

The position is for a period of 1 year. After a good evaluation, and depending on available finance, your contract can be extended with an additional period of max. 1 years.
This research is embedded in the Amsterdam infection and immunity research institute and the Cancer Center Amsterdam. These institutes facilitate translation of discoveries in immunology into clinical applications with patient benefit.

VU University Medical Center (VUmc)

The Academic Medical Center (AMC) and the VU University Medical Center (VUmc) today joined forces in an administrative merger. The chairmen of both Boards of Directors signed the merger into force this afternoon. The signing ceremony took place in downtown Amsterdam, in a fitting location overflowing with Dutch medical history: the 17th century Anatomy Theater in a traditional weighing house called De Waag.
Following an intensive multi-year planning process, the two Amsterdam academic hospitals are working together as of this moment under a collective name: Amsterdam UMC. This enables both Amsterdam university medical centers to further develop their core business together: complex patient care, scientific research, and education & training. Amsterdam UMC kickstarts a gradual process of continuous integration. Initially, this will be most visible in two sectors: patient care and scientific research.

Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (MCBI)

You will be working within the group of dr. Sandra van Vliet, alongside a PhD student appointed on the same project. Our lab is housed in the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (MCBI) of the Amsterdam UMC, located in the O|2 building in Amsterdam.
MCBI hosts the state of the art Flow-Cytometry and Microscopy facilities and provides the relevant education such as Advanced Flow Cytometry and Microscopy courses. The research tasks are closely embedded in ongoing research activities of the participating departments.