Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) is a growth arrest state frequently caused by anticancer agents. It results in the secretion of pro-tumourigenic factors that ultimately fuel tumour cell persistence, proliferation and (Immunotherapy) therapy resistance. A new and exciting area in radiotherapy is the combination with Immunotherapy. This project aims to identify and remove treatment-induced senescent cells using an Immune checkpoint blockade (mAb-PD-L2). In this Eurostars project, you will collaborate with Rejuveron, Screenin3D, TAmiRNA and Crownbio to obtain preclinical data demonstrating the efficacy of mAb-PD-L2 and develop a companion diagnostic to forward into clinical studies.

In this position, your work package involves deriving and characterizing patient-derived normal and cancer organoids and establishing the conditions for inducing treatment-induced senescence and secreted (response) biomarkers. You will work in close contact with other teams within the Maastro lab using patient-derived models and other consortium members to combine PD-L2 targeting with immune cells to optimize the elimination of senescent tumour cells. Subsequently, the consortium will use the models to demonstrate safety and efficacy in vivo.

You will be working at the Radiotherapy department (Maastro lab), at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. We closely collaborate with Maastro, institute for radiotherapy (www.maastro.nl). Within the lab, we have four PI-led teams focused on identifying actionable dependencies in tumour cells and the tumour 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 an ambitious postdoc highly motivated in translational oncology to work together with an international consortium to achieve proof of concept for senescent tumour cell targeting to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Proficiency in English (minimum of IELTS 7 or equivalent), excellent communicative skills, and team player spirit are essential. You should be able to function independently, and prior experience with primary (patient) cell culture and Immune-oncology is preferred.

We offer you a full-time contract (36 hours/week) for an initial period of one year, with the intention for an extension with another year. 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.