The project is funded by ZonME and will focus on metabolism in head-and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer arises in the mucosal linings of the upper-aerodigestive tract and is generally preceded by precancerous changes that may be visible as lesions. In total 50% of patients die of the disease despite invasive treatments. We recently discovered that these tumors rewire their metabolic program atypically. In this project we will use computer models and laboratory experiments to study this atypical metabolic program we will investigate why these tumor cell reprogram metabolism in this remarkable way, and how this can be exploited to improve diagnosis and treatment of these tumors and their preceding precancerous mucosal changes.

Your duties

• development of a genome-scale, constraint-based, mechanistic computational model of metabolism in head-and neck cancer and healthy cells based on phosphoproteomics and transcriptomics
• interrogate model to come with hypotheses for in vitro metabolic behaviour
• putting opportunity to put hypotheses to the test
• present at national and international conference
• contribute to writing of scientific publications, progress reports, and grant applications
• participate in outreach activities, seminars and workshops for the development of scientific and transferable skills

• PhD degree that includes a solid background in Biochemistry and computational biology
• experience in modelling
• wetlab experience
• excellent working knowledge of spoken and written English

Desirable Requirements

• experience in cancer biology, experimental biomedical science
• demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary, international collaborative research

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization in the Systems Biology Lab (Systems Biology Lab (teusinkbruggemanlab.nl)

On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,960 (scale 10) and a maximum €4,670 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience.

The job profile Postdoc/ Researcher 4 is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.
The employment contract will be for a period of 18 months.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• solid pension scheme (ABP),
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave,
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.