Stem cells are valuable tools for modelling human and animal diseases, as well as a source of differentiated cells for use in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. An essential prerequisite for using stem cells in medicine is the assurance of genetic stability. We are looking for a postdoc to be involved in research on the pathogenesis of stem cell malignancy.

Your job
The presence of genetic changes, together with their increased growth rates raise concerns related to potential malignancy (cancer) and safety of stem cells for clinical application. The group studies mechanisms of tumorigenesis of human and animal stem cells, and works on the characterisation and validation of in vitro models for studying human and animal diseases. We are looking for a postdoc who is fascinated by stem cell tumorigenicity and safety.

Our research group is embedded in the Regenerative Medicine Utrecht collaboration and housed at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht within the Hubrecht Institute. The project is an continuation of a long existing collaboration with the group of Professor Leendert Looijenga at the Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology.

Your responsibilities will include planning and conducting molecular biology experiments on cancer stem cells, embryonal carcinoma and human yolk sac tumour development, developing in vitro models relevant to cancer related diseases. Besides that, you will be engaged in:

• conception of new research projects and development of research proposals with new approach technologies (NAMs) as central topic;
• project management in collaboration with third-party funding administrations;
• writing and supervision of international scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• supervision of a highly skilled technician already present in the group;
• presentations at scientific congresses.

The following methods will be (potentially) used:

• (micro)RNA analysis (qRT-PCR, (single cell) RNA sequencing);
• protein analysis (western blot, phospho-kinase arrays, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence staining, Co-IP);
• chromatin immunoprecipitation (followed by qPCR and sequencing);
• epigenetic analysis (DNA methylation arrays, histone modification analysis);
• 2D / 3D culture and manipulation of human (tumor) cell lines;
• tumour tissue analysis (ex vivo culture).

This position is right for you if you:

• have recently completed or you are in the last steps before completing your PhD in a field with strong affinity with stem cell tumourigenicity;
• can work well independently, have new ideas, you are critical but able to connect with other disciplines and larger projects;
• have excellent communication skills;
• have a good command of English, both orally and in writing and you are willing to learn Dutch;
• have a positive (working) attitude and good social skills;
• are energetic, enthusiastic and motivated for the job and you are a team player, and willing to take active part in creating a good safe and inclusive atmosphere in the research group.

We offer:

• an employment contract for one year with possibility of prolongation;
• a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,345 and €5,278 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU;
• the opportunity to take didact and research training courses and develop your talents.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

At the department of Clinical Sciences, you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD candidates. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

Anatomy & Physiology is part of the department of Clinical Sciences. The focus is on veterinary education and research in the fields of anatomy, (patho-) physiology, embryology and stem cells. Our research and teaching work is inspired by the principles of the transition to animal-free innovation. We focus on better science (education and research) with fewer laboratory animals.

The ‘Centre of excellence for plastination and virtual reality’ of Anatomy & Physiology in collaboration with the UMCU deals with innovations in the field of animal-free education. We have several partnerships with UMCU and the Princess Máxima Centre; we are also committed to sharing science with a wider audience. We collaborate with the leading museums in this country. Read more at:

• May 2020 - Interview Daniela Salvatori: In 5 years’ time we will speak of humanised science
• November 2020 - Interview Vetscience: Lifelong learning
• February 2021 - Interview AD (Dutch newspaper): Zijn dierproeven straks verleden tijd?
• February 2021 - Opinion DUB (in Dutch): Geef meer ruimte aan proefdiervrije innovatie
• September 2022 - UU.nl: Researchers call for better reporting of animal experiments

For more information about this position, please contact Professor Daniela Salvatori (Professor Comparative Anatomy & Physiology and chairperson Transition to Animal-free Innovation Utrecht) at d.salvatori@uu.nl or +31 (6) 15 13 93 56.