The diagnosis of an individual with a genetic tumour risk syndrome has major implications for the design of treatment strategies, cancer surveillance schemes and preventive measures. However, currently known genetic tumour risk syndromes only explain a small proportion of the total burden of hereditary cancer. Therefore, for many individuals that developed cancer it is still unclear whether they are genetically predisposed.

Pathways ensuring genome fidelity are disrupted constitutionally in the majority of genetic tumour risk syndromes. The disruption of such a pathway results in a unique combination of somatic mutation types in a tumour genome that can now be identified as a mutational signature. During this 4-year PhD-project, funded by a grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), you will identify and investigate genetic cancer predisposition via the comprehensive analyses of the mutational profiles hidden in the tumour genomes of individuals that have developed multiple tumours.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Select and collect tumour samples from the Public Pathology Database (PALGA).
• Analyse tumours for their mutational profiles using next-generation sequencing based molecular techniques.
• Whole-genome sequencing analyses of germline DNA.
• Bioinformatics and statistical analyses.
• Write scientific manuscripts.
• Design and perform scientific research in the area of cancer genomics.
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team with other PhD candidates, scientists and medical doctors to discuss, plan and perform research.
• Finish the project with a scientific dissertation.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in oncology and genetics. Candidates must have completed a Masters degree in Molecular Biology/Genetics, Medical Biology or equivalent. Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and statistical analysis is an advantage. Candidates should have good social and strong communication skills (fluent in English), a critical scientific attitude and the ability to work both independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

The department of Human Genetics has more than 300 staff in outpatient clinics and laboratories for genome research and genome diagnostics. In the field of cancer genomics the department closely collaborates with the department of Pathology in the Laboratory of Tumor Genetics. This guarantees collaboration with specialists that work with state of the art genetic techniques and access to pathological expertise. The research is embedded in the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS).

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.