The general aims of the division of Experimental Hematology are to obtain detailed knowledge on (molecular) mechanisms that determine hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, with the ultimate goal to deepen our insights in the development of human leukemias. We have a specific interest in dissecting the clonal heterogeneity of leukemias and recently developed tools that allow us to identify and prospectively isolate genetically distinct clones within individual patients (de Boer et al, Cancer Cell 2018). We perform gene-function analyses in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells isolated from cordblood and bone marrow utilizing various strategies including optimized retro/lentiviral transduction protocols and inducible RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. We have a longstanding expertise in using molecular approaches (transcriptome, proteome and epigenome) to further understand processes such as hematopoietic differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and self-renewal. We utilize a series of cell biological in vitro and in vivo model systems to be able to translate knowledge from our molecular research lines to more general concepts of hematopoietic stem cell biology. We anticipate that our studies will lead to a more rational approach in the clinic of this highly malignant disorder.

We are currently looking for two talented and highly motivated PhD students on a project that will focus on the metabolome of AML cells. We have recently uncovered how the metabolome of AML cells different from that of healthy hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Within a recently awarded Dutch cancer Foundation grant we wish to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Jan Jacob Schuringa (j.j.schuringa@umcg.nl).

Furthermore, we are looking for a PhD student focusing on clonal hematopoiesis in older individuals. We explore relationships between clonal hematopoiesis and derailed hematopoiesis by making use of the prospective, population-based Lifelines cohort (see eg van Zeventer et al, Blood 2020) (https://www.lifelines.nl/). Further, by linkage of Lifelines with the other national registries, like the cancer registry, we aim to explore in whom clonal hematopoiesis evolves into cancer and which genetic and environmental factors effect this process. For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Gerwin Huls (g.huls@umcg.nl).

For an overview of our work please see:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=schuringa+jj
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=huls+g

A full-time contract for 4 years and an excellent environment for further development. The position offered is for 4 years. First, a temporary one-year position will be offered with the option of renewal for another three years. Extension of the contract will be based on sufficient progress and the expectation of a successful completion of the PhD project in the next three years.

Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.495,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.196,- (scale PhD) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). English: http://www.nfu.nl/english/about-the-nfu/

For more information please contact:
- Prof. Dr. Jan Jacob Schuringa, phonenumber: +31 50 361 9391, e-mail address: j.j.schuringa@umcg.nl
- Prof. Dr. Gerwin Huls, e-mail address: g.huls@umcg.nl

Hematologie

Project 1: Exploiting the metabolome as a targetable vulnerability in AML
- Required education: MSs in biomedical/life sciences-related subject.
- Experience in cell biological techniques (e.g. eukaryotic tissue culture) is required.
- Affinity with molecular biology techniques.
- Excellent writing and speaking/presentation skills in English.
- You are enthusiastic, ambitious and are a team player.

Project 2: Mechanisms driving clonal hematopoiesis in the elderly
- Required education: MSs in biomedical/life sciences-related subject.
- You are enthusiastic, ambitious and are a team player.
- Excellent writing and speaking/presentation skills in English.
- Affinity with bioinformatics is required.

Project 3: Exploiting clonal hematopoiesis as a preleukemic state
- Required education: MD or MSs in biomedical/life sciences-related subject.
- You are enthusiastic, ambitious and are a team player.
- Excellent writing and speaking/presentation skills in English.
- Affinity with epidemiology and bioinformatics is essential.