Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life of patients with a life-threatening disease, such as metastatic cancer, and of their loved ones. Improving the approach, treatment and prevention of symptoms requires a greater understanding of mechanisms that lead to symptoms. It is largely unknown which biomedical factors determine susceptibility to symptoms, such as delirium, for example. Knowledge of these factors can improve treatment and prevention of symptoms. Marking the start of the final phase of the palliative trajectory, the dying phase, can help improve care for patients and their loved ones. This demarcation leads to a change in the focus of care, thereby creating space and time for saying goodbye. Because this demarcation has proven difficult in practice, more knowledge about the dying process can improve marking and is part of this translational research project.

As a postdoc you will contribute to setting up a line of research into biomedical factors that (partly) determine the sensitivity to the development of a symptom and that may mark the dying process. In collaboration with relevant research departments of Amsterdam UMC, such as the OncoProteomics Laboratory of Cancer Center Amsterdam and the Experimental Laboratory of Vital Signs (ELViS) of the Anesthesiology department, the aim is to set up and raise funds for translational research projects.

In concrete terms, this means that you:

• conduct a literature study into linking factors for translational research in palliative care;
• establish and maintain contacts with relevant research departments within and outside Amsterdam UMC and Cancer Center Amsterdam;
• coordinate a pilot study aimed at marking the dying phase;
• set up at least two translational research projects and initiate and coordinate fundraising for this;
• report findings arising from literature research and pilot research in scientific articles and present these at various meetings and conferences;
• supervise students;
• take courses to increase your (research / analysis / personal) skills.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher with proven scientific experience in translational research. You are motivated to advance scientific research in the field of palliative care, both theoretically and empirically. You have excellent social and communication skills and you work well in a team.

You are also in possession of the following qualities and requirements:

• a completed PhD in the field of (bio)medical sciences, medical biology or a comparable education;
• experience with translational research;
• able to work efficiently and independently;
• good skills in organizing, planning, coordinating;
• good oral and written communication skills in English;
• affinity with palliative care;
• experience in acquiring grants is recommended.

Fixed-term contract: Initially an employment contract is offered for a period of 24 months. Depending on the progress and results, this can be extended to four years.

Salary scale 11: EUR 3922 to EUR 5383 gross for full-time employment (depending on education and experience).

• In addition to a good salary, we offer, among other things, 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance. Curious about what you will earn? Calculate your net salary here (depending on education level and experience).
• Free and unlimited access to the training offer of our online learning environment GoodHabitz.
• Your pension is accrued at ABP. Amsterdam UMC contributes 70% of this premium.
• We reimburse 75% of your public transport travel costs and also offer a bicycle arrangement.
• If equal suitability is shown, internal candidates will have priority over external candidates.

Initially an employment contract is offered for a period of 24 months. Depending on the progress and results, this can be extended to four years.

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

A reference check can be part of the selection procedure. In addition, applying for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct) is mandatory for every new employee. The application for a VOG is started from Amsterdam UMC as soon as the new employee has been appointed.

Amsterdam UMC

Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where the development of talents and skills is strongly encouraged. We therefore offer you many opportunities for personal development, additional courses and a place to grow.

Anesthesiology and Urology

As a postdoc you will be part of a multidisciplinary team that conducts research into the improvement of palliative care for patients with cancer, led by Prof. Lia van Zuylen. For translational research this group works closely with researchers from the Departments of Anesthesiology and Urology in Amsterdam UMC / Cancer Center Amsterdam, among others. These unique collaborations enable translational research in the broadest sense of the word and deliver high-quality research that bridges the gap between different disciplines that otherwise often remain separate from each other.