Maastro lab, led by Marc Vooijs, is developing more effective and safer treatments for cancer patients by targeting the Notch stem cell pathway: a high-priority clinical target. His team recently developed a pipeline of novel small molecule drugs targeting the Notch/g-secretase: the rate-limiting enzyme for Notch activation.

In this position, you will be part of a team (ERC-PoC, NWO Demonstrator) to characterize several lead compounds using cell-based assays measuring the potency and specificity of Notch/g-secretase inhibitors and the effects of Notch activity, proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal of normal and tumor tissues. In addition, you will be part of the studies determining the in vivo efficacy and safety of new compounds using preclinical tumor models and the development of a
companion biomarker. Finally, the team aims to develop a minimal viable product to develop a start-up company.

You will work at the Radiotherapy department (Maastro lab) in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The lab is situated at the location of Maastricht University, but we closely collaborate with Maastro, the institute for radiotherapy (www.maastro.nl), and the academic Hospital MUMC+. Within the lab, four PI-led teams focus on identifying actionable dependencies in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted to enhance and prolong treatment response while preserving normal tissue function. Learn more about Maastro lab’s research groups at: https://www.maastrolab.com/

We are looking for a post-doc researcher with a proven track record in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry and an interest in drug development, stem cell biology, and in vivo models. Our new team member should be a dynamic co-worker and have a Ph.D. degree in a relevant area to this project. Besides this project, your responsibilities include the co-supervision of the laboratory work of (Ph.D.) students and technicians in the Notch group. You are fluent in English (written and spoken, better than IELTS 7 or equivalent). Art 9 certification is preferred.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, which may be further extended.

We offer a full-time contract (36 hours/week) for an initial period of one year, which may be further extended. You will be employed by Maastro, where the Collective Labor Agreement for Hospitals (“CAO Ziekenhuizen”) applies.

Your salary will be according to the salary scale FWG 60 (min. € 3.389,- max. € 4.964,- gross/month), depending on relevant work experience. Furthermore, you will receive an 8.33% holiday allowance and an 8.33% end-of-year bonus.

Also, we offer a wide range of options for personal development, including hard- and soft skills courses. We invest in the employability and vitality of our employees and offer discounts on, for example, sports subscriptions.

Foreign applications may qualify for the 30% tax rule and moving cost reimbursement. Our HR department will assist with the application if a residence/work permit is required.

Maastro

The internationally acclaimed state-of-the-art radiotherapy institute Maastro in Maastricht delivers cancer care in the Limburg region of the Netherlands, aiming to cure patients while preventing side effects of the provided treatments.

With about 350 employees, we contribute to this endeavor in patient care, research, and business operations. We are one of three centers in the Netherlands treating cancer patients with proton therapy. Furthermore, we have well-established research groups and work closely with Maastricht University and Maastricht University Hospital (MUMC+) in education, clinical and preclinical research.

Does working in a dynamic and innovative organization appeal to you? Check our website, www.maastro.nl, and get in touch with us.