Have you ever wondered why some people develop cancer and others do not? A considerable proportion of cancers that develop at Adolescent or Young Adult age (AYA; 18-39 years) are related to a hereditary germline genetic predisposing variant: a genetic tumour risk syndrome (GENTURIS). However, germline genetic testing is nowadays considered in only a minority of AYAs with cancer, as data on clinical validity and utility of these tests are lacking for many tumour types. Will you work with the team to ensure that the lacking information is completed?

During this 4-year PhD project you will identify the proportion of AYAs who developed a carcinoma that is related to a known germline pathogenic variant that predisposes to cancer. You will create knowledge on the development of cancers at AYA age by analysing both germline variation, somatic alterations and mutational signatures. Furthermore, you will formulate an advice for appropriate germline genetic testing of AYAs with cancer.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Select and collect normal and tumour samples from the Public Pathology Database (PALGA).
• Whole-exome sequencing analyses of germline DNA.
• Analyse tumours for their mutational profiles using next-generation sequencing based molecular techniques.
• Bioinformatics and statistical analyses.
• Write scientific manuscripts.
• Design and perform scientific research in the area of cancer genomics.
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team with other PhD candidates, scientists and medical doctors to discuss, plan and perform research.
• Finish the project with a scientific dissertation.

As a PhD candidate in this project, you must have completed a Masters degree in Molecular Biology/Genetics, Medical Biology or equivalent. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in oncology and genetics. Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and statistical analysis is an advantage. You also have good social and strong communication skills (fluent in English), a critical scientific attitude and the ability to work both independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The salary depends on education. Scale 10 will be offered to MSc medical graduates; those holding degrees in other disciplines will be offered scale 10A.

Working at Radboud university medical center means that you are ahead of the curve and working together on the healthcare of the future. And there is more. Our secondary terms of employment are impressive. These are fully tailored to you thanks to our Employment Conditions Selection Model. At Radboud university medical center, you will be given trust, and you will take the responsibility to handle everything together.

• A gross monthly salary between € 2.789 and € 3.536 (scale 10A) or between € 3.230 and € 5.088 (scale 10) based on full-time employment.  
• From 1 November 2023 the wages will increase by 4%.
• An annual vacation allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• If you work irregular hours, you will receive an allowance.
• As a full-time employee (36 hours per week), you are entitled to approximately 168 vacation hours (over 23 days) per year.
• Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. You pay the rest of the premium with your gross salary.
• You get a discount on health insurance as well: you can take advantage of two group health insurance plans. UMC Zorgverzekering and CZ collectief.
• We provide annual courses, both professional and personal.

In addition to our terms of employment, we also offer employees various other attractive facilities, such as childcare and sports facilities. Want to learn more? Take a look at the CAO UMC.

Radboudumc

The department of Human Genetics has >300 staff in outpatient clinics and laboratories for genome research and genome diagnostics. In the field of cancer genomics the department closely collaborates with the department of Pathology in the Laboratory of Tumor Genetics. This partnership guarantees collaboration with specialists that work with state of the art genetic techniques and access to pathological expertise. The research is embedded in the Research Institute for Medical Innovation and training will be supported by the Radboud graduate school.

Radboudumc
Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. Radboud university medical center strives to be at the forefront of shaping the healthcare of the future. We do this in a person-centered and innovative way, and in close collaboration with our network. We want to have a significant impact on health and healthcare. We want to improve with each passing day, continuously working towards better healthcare, research, and education. And gaining a better understanding of how diseases arise and how we can prevent, treat, and cure them, day in and day out. This way, every patient always receives the best healthcare, now and in the future. Because that is why we do what we do.

Read more about our strategy and what working at Radboud university medical center means. Our colleagues would be happy to tell you about it. #weareradboudumc