We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to investigate key regulators of CD20, CD22, and CD37 expression in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aiming to enhance antibody-based therapies for improved treatment outcomes. Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care?

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), the most common hematological malignancy worldwide, still remains a clinical problem. Immunotherapy with rituximab, which targets CD20, is a cornerstone drug in the treatment of many B-NHL patients, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, decreased expression levels of membrane targets (CD20, CD22, CD37) in B-NHL is related to refractory/relapsed disease and poor prognosis.

The aim of this project is to define key regulators that control expression of CD20, CD22 and CD37 at the surface of malignant B cells, and to identify compounds that increase target molecule availability to increase the impact of antibody-based treatment in B-NHL. We will combine unbiased genetic and compound screens, and a candidate-based approach with antibody-based therapy in human B-NHL cell lines, primary DLBCL and CLL patient samples and lymphoma mouse models.

This research will provide molecular and biological insight into the underlying mechanisms of antibody resistance, and improve antibody-based treatment outcome in B-NHL patients.

You are a creative and motivated researcher with a PhD degree in biomedical sciences/ molecular biology (or equivalent). You will set-up CRISPR/Cas9 screens in B-NHL cells to identify key regulators of CD20/CD22/CD37 in collaboration with the Dutch Cancer Institute (NKI).

Novel candidates will be validated in lymphoma cytotoxicity assays, B-NHL patient tissues and in vivo lymphoma models. Experience with molecular biology and cell biological techniques is a must. A permit to work with animals (or willing to obtain this) is an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with a possible extension.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary in scale 10 between € 3.359 and € 5.292 (for a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• Plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. For example, you can follow various courses via our online learning environment. A lot of attention will also be paid to your wellbeing and vitality. For instance, you can take advantage of:
  
  • a 40% discount on gym membership at the Radboud Sports Center.
  • the Company Support Team and a personal coach if you experience a life-changing event.
  • a financially favorable option to work less through a generation scheme if you are approaching state retirement age.
  • support with achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have any questions about combining your work and caregiving tasks at home.
• 168 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. Want more vacation? You can buy additional vacation hours with your end-of-year bonus.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, of which 9 weeks are paid.
• Extra-favorable leave conditions. For example, our short-term caregiving leave is not 2 but 4 weeks per year and even 12 weeks per year for partner and child.
• Pension accrual with the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension contribution.
• Discount on the supplementary packages of two collective health insurance policies and on ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• A travel allowance via our Employment Conditions Selection Model and a working-from-home allowance of €2 per day.

Radboudumc

The department of Medical BioSciences aims at a better understanding of our immune system using molecular-, cell biological- and immunological- techniques and is centered around dendritic cells and lymphocytes which are key cells in anti-tumor immunity. Our multi-disciplinary Department combines fundamental with translational research, including different clinical trials of dendritic cell immunotherapy in cancer patients.

We are embedded within the Radboud University Medical Center that provides an outstanding, multi-cultural and thriving research setting through technology platforms such as genomics, proteomics and advanced imaging.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.