We are offering a PhD candidate position at the Laboratory for Experimental Oncology (LEXOR) at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, supported by the Oncode Institute. Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis of all common cancers, but strongly divergent outcomes are apparent between patients. Recent work from our group has established the existence of distinct molecular subgroups in pancreatic cancer. These associate with clinical outcome and are driven by divergent biological programs. This project aims to improve outcome of this devastating malignancy by further characterization of the biology that underpins the pancreatic cancer subtypes, and by uncovering their therapeutic vulnerabilities. For this, the candidate will have access to a unique set of tools and materials, including primary cell cultures, organoids, large gene expression datasets and living biobanks. Our group has established a unique set of patient-derived models and archived material including blood, tissue samples, and clinical data that will allow cutting-edge experimental work that will allow an ambitious PhD candidate to excel.

For this position, the candidate should hold a Master’s degree in biology, medical biology, medicine, or a related field. The candidate is preferably experienced in cell and organoid culture, bioinformatics, mouse experiments, and general lab routined. A keen interest specifically in cell biology and next-generation sequencing and analysis is preferred, as is a can-do mentality, ambition, and team player spirit.

Working at the AMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment in which developing one’s talents and skills is encouraged.

As a PhD student, you have access to the broad program of doctorate level courses offered by the AMC Graduate School, which aims to promote and support excellence in the doctorate level training of PhD candidates as highly qualified future professionals in an international environment.

We offer a salary in line with the Collective Labor Agreement for University Medical Centers in the Netherlands (CAO UMC) with a range of added fringe benefits, such as an annual bonus of 8.3%, holiday allowance, collective discounted rates for a number of insurances, public transport allowance, and free parking. You will be employed by the AMC Medical Research BV.

A PhD student (Onderzoeker in Opleiding) is placed in scale 21, with a fulltime gross salary that ranges from €2279,- to €2919,- (based on qualifications and experience).

For a doctor (Arts-Onderzoeker) it’s scale 10, with a fulltime gross salary that ranges from €2919,- to €4216,- (based on qualifications and experience).

On top of your salary you safe money monthly for a ‘Personal Budget’ that can be used for education or career development purposes.

The Laboratory for Experimental Oncology (LEXOR) is part of the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam (AMC). The AMC has a very strong track record in gastrointestinal research and offers a unique environment for ambitious PhD candidates to perform high-impact research in.

LEXOR is a vibrant laboratory that hosts approximately 30 PhD students and post-docs from diverse backgrounds (biomedical, physics, bioinformatics). Research focuses on cancers of the digestive tract (colorectal, pancreatic and esophageal) and has yielded numerous seminal papers in such journals as Cell Stem Cell, Gastroenterology, Nature Medicine, and various Nature Reviews journals.

The offered position is made possible by the Oncode Institute. Oncode brings together the best Dutch researchers in oncology to improve the translational impact of top-notch research findings.