Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease that is unfortunately still associated with dismal prognosis especially in advanced stages. The onset of colorectal cancer is often associated by mutations in the APC gene, but also modulated by the occurrence of inflammation of the intestinal tract. We have seen that this inflammatory response modulates the extracellular matrix (ECM) and has a unique impact on the induction of cancer through the onset of chromosomal instability.

Your project aims to mechanistically unravel this impact and design means to interfere with the pro-tumorigenic activity of inflammation and the ECM.

You will be primarily responsible for the execution of this project and will combine organoid technology with transformation assays.

You will study the impact and mechanism of chromosomal instability and will us these in vitro models to design in vivo mouse experiments to validate findings in a controlled inflammatory cancer model.

The experimental approach thus involves high end cell culture work, in vivo experiments, molecular biological approaches and likely use CRISPR and drug screening to identify crucial players in this ECM-induced transformation.

• You hold a biological, medical or chemistry-oriented master degree.
• You have experience in laboratory sciences and have performed practical laboratory internships preferably in the oncological cell biological domain.
• You like to work in a team and collaborate.
• You are pro-active and outgoing.
• You combine curiosity with practical skills.

• A flying start to your career in research work in a metropolis with a diverse and open culture, and a multicultural society.
• Working with motivated colleagues from all corners of the world.
• You will start with a contract for one year (12 months) in accordance with the CAO UMC 2022-2023, with the possibility of extension for another three years (36 months).
• PhD students (Onderzoeker in Opleiding) are placed in scale 21, with a fulltime gross salary. The starting salary is € 2.789,- and increases to € 3.536,- in the fourth year. The position is for 4 years.
• In addition to a good basic salary, you will receive, among other things, 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation allowance. Calculate your net salary here.
• Pension via BeFrank
• Reimbursement of 75% of your public transport costs. Would you rather travel by bike? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.

Amsterdam UMC

The position is open in the Center of Experimental Molecular Medicine within the Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology. Within this lab a large number of scientists (>70) among which more than 40 PhD students, study cancer biology mainly in gastroenterology. This large team is a dynamic group of highly skilled enthusiastic young scientists who all have strong ambitions to successfully drive their respective projects. The continuous effort to learn and improve makes our department a perfect place for an ambitious young scientist.

The team you will join is the group of Jan Paul Medema, specialized in colorectal cancer subtypes, Cancer Stem Cells and therapy resistances mechanisms.

For more info check Jan Paul Medema - Amsterdam UMC research portal

Cancer Center Amsterdam (amsterdamumc.org)

Starting a new job at AMR!