We are looking for highly motivated candidate willing to work on in vitro three-dimensional models and on mouse models of endometrial cancer.

Our research team has been focussing for several years on the role of steroid hormones in gynaecological diseases. In the context of endometrial cancer, we have been exploring the position of hormonal treatment for this disease, the mechanisms underlying the resistance of cancers towards these medications, and we have been engaged in novel drug discovery.

In the present project, the PhD candidate will study preclinically the efficacy of a novel hormonal drug for the treatment of endometrial cancer. The study will be conducted using two mouse models of endometrial cancer, specifically a metastatic model that was developed in our lab, and a model based on patient derived xenografts. In parallel, the candidate will use in vitro 3D organoid/spheroid models of endometrial cancer to explore therapeutic efficacy, development of resistance and the role of combinational drug regimens. These activities will be complemented with observational investigations of patient materials.

Scientific embedding
State-of-the-art technology will be available: animal facilities for housing, in vivo imaging including CT, PET-CT and bioluminescence; in vitro facilities for cell culturing; facilities for handling transgenic materials; advanced microscopy unit including electron, confocal and two photons microscopy; facilities and core units for genetic analyses (bulk, single-cell level and with spatial resolution), Mass Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometric Imaging and flow cytometry.

The research team for the daily work consists of one senior scientist, one senior analyst, one PhD candidate who will work in close collaboration with the new candidate, the PI and ad hoc appointed master and bachelor students. Further, the PhD candidate will work in cooperation with personnel from other departments for the use of advanced in vitro platforms and for ad hoc analyses. The candidate will be exposed to the multidisciplinary research environment available at our department, where clinicians from various specialties (gynaecologic oncology, benign gynaecology and fertility doctors), molecular cell biologists, bioinformaticians and data science experts and bioengineers meet and discuss regularly. Further, the PhD candidate will be exposed to the existing large international network of the research team.

• Interest in gynaecologic oncology;
• Strong communication and teamwork skills;
• Experience with cell culture and basic molecular techniques;
• Preferably: previous experience with handling of mice;
• Mandatory: enthusias.

Our offer

• We provide a multidisciplinary team of biologists, bioinformaticians and medical doctors devoted to study and find solutions for patients with gynaecologic oncologic problems or gynaecologic diseases.
• Exposure to large international networks including the European Network for Individualised Treatment of Endometrial Cancer (ENITEC).
• State-of-the-art technologies and facilities.
• Various educational trainings available at our graduate school and university.

Temporary employment (1.0 FTE) for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for another 3 years, which happens in the vast majority of cases.

Your salary will be € 2,541 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. An 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance is also provided.

In addition to good primary employment conditions, UM also offers an attractive package of secondary employment conditions.

Each year an evaluation will take place.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. 
For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.