PhD tumor immunology of peritoneal metastasis

The treatment of colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases represents one of the greatest challenges in oncology. Despite intensive research, effective therapies remain scarce and the prognosis for this patient group is poor. Although immunotherapy is promising for various types of cancer, patients with peritoneal metastases generally respond inadequately to these therapies.

Recent research indicates that abnormal tumor glycans play an important role in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. In this KWF-funded project, you will investigate how glycan structures affect immune responses in peritoneal metastasis and whether glycan inhibition can restore anti-tumor immunity.

You will:

• investigate how tumor-associated glycan structures, particularly sialic acids, influence and suppress immune responses against peritoneal metastases;
• test in patient material and in vivo models whether sialic acid inhibition reactivates the immune system;
• analyze and interpret research data using various immunological and cell biological techniques, such as flow cytometry and tumor slice cultures;
• present research findings at (inter)national conferences and symposia;
• supervise a bachelor and/or master student during a research internship within the project;
• contribute to immunology and biochemistry education within the department, for example by teaching work groups or practicals.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Working on translational research in collaboration with motivated researchers from the Netherlands and abroad.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here. Medical doctors are not considered for this position.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

The department of Molecular cell biology and immunology is located in the vibrant O|2 Lab Building at the VU/Amsterdam UMC campus and houses excellent cytometry and imaging core facilities. The research performed at the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology covers a wide variety of topics in the field of cell biology and immunology in health and disease and is at an international high competitive level.

The research group led by dr. Sandra van Vliet (Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc) focuses on the role of tumor-associated glycan structures and their role in tumor biology as well as anti-tumor immunity. In this project you will collaborate with dr. K. Lenos (Laboratory for experimental oncology and radiobiology), dr. J. Grootjans (department of Gastroenterology and hepatology) and prof.dr. J. Tuynman (department of Surgery).

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact dr. Sandra van Vliet, associate professor, s.vanvliet@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, at r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.