Pediatric sarcomas
Pediatric sarcomas comprise a group of more than twenty distinct solid tumor entities, each of which is very rare. As a consequence, most of these entities are understudied and knowledge about the tumor driving mutations and events is scarce. Treatment modalities have not significantly changed over the last decades and the prognosis for high risk patients remains poor in most cases. However, increased knowledge of the molecular biology of these tumors will improve risk stratification and treatment for patients suffering from these tumors.

Research project
The candidate will work with various next-generation sequencing data types such as Whole Exome Sequencing/Whole Genome Sequencing, bulk mRNA sequencing (also for fusion transcript detection) and DNA methylation data. These data will be derived from primary tumor specimens as well as preclinical in vitro models (i.e. tumor organoid models) that are being generated in the different sarcoma research groups in the Máxima. The types of research questions that we aim to address are related to diagnosis, tumor biology, improving treatment and application of tumor models such as tumor organoids.

Tasks and responsibilities
The position is in a supportive role for different research groups, projects and goals.

Tasks include the management and analysis of various genomic data derived from pediatric sarcoma samples: WGS, WES, RNAseq and DNA methylation. This will be analyzed alongside clinical data, drug screen data, previously published datasets etc. As the candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team, we expect that the candidate can provide analyses of the data for different research groups and can communicate results to non-specialists too.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic bioinformatician who excels in a stimulating, multi-disciplinary research environment dealing with multiple people and projects. Experience with the following programming skills is most optimal:  Linux shell scripting, R and python. Expertise in data management, knowledge of next-generation sequencing, statistics and familiarity with molecular and/or cellular biology would also be beneficial. Enthusiasm for science, creativity, a sense of humor, independence, the ability and willingness to work hard and to learn, a collaborative spirit and a systematic approach to work are important traits for this position. Research at the Máxima is international and a good command of English is therefore a prerequisite. Candidates with or without a PhD are welcome to apply, as long as there is a good match with the profile described.

Fixed-term contract: one year with the intention of extension.

A temporary, full time position (36 hours a week for one year with the intention of extension) as a bioinformatician at the Princess Máxima Center. Gross monthly salary will depend on experience and background. The Princess Máxima Center is covered by the collective labor agreement “algemene ziekenhuizen”.

Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology

The Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology is Europe’s largest children’s oncology center. Our mission is to cure all children with cancer, thereby also aiming for an optimal quality of life by reducing adverse, long-term side-effects of cancer treatment. This ambition requires the best possible care combined with the best possible research. The Máxima is therefore a fully integrated hospital/research institute with intense collaboration between excellent research scientists and highly dedicated oncologists. The research activities of the Máxima are growing rapidly and cover the entire spectrum of disciplines required for our goals: from clinical trial management to fundamental research into molecular and cellular biology.