We are looking for a technician to develop chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells and to study their application in breast cancer.

NK cells are effector cells of our immune system that can kill malignant cells. We have demonstrated clinical efficacy of NK cells, both in models for M. Myeloma and breast cancer. In a consortium we will further explore the role of NK cells in metastatic (lobular) breast cancer, bringing groups together to combine knowledge on NK cells and preclinical breast cancer models. The anti-tumor effect of NK cells will be studied in mouse (PDX) models and human patient-derived tumor organoid (PDO) models. In the project, we will develop second generation NK cells, like Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK cells or siRNA inhibition of these cells, to optimize NK cell effectivity. The PDX and PDO models are expected to be predictive for clinical effects of NK and CAR-NK cells.

The successful applicants will work under the supervision of Prof. dr Gerard Bos (Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and CEO of CiMaas BV)), Dr. Wilfred Germeraad (Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and CSO of CiMaas BV), Dr Lotte Wieten (Maastricht University Medical Center+) in collaboration with Prof dr. Patrick Derksen (Utrecht University Medical Center), on a translational project using new DNA constructs, virus production, in vitro cell culture, animal models and GMP production of clinical grade (CAR)-NK cells.

we are looking for a motivated technician who will closely work together with a PhD candidate. You should have:

• A BSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant Life Science discipline from a university of Applied Sciences;
• Experience with molecular biology is required;
• Previous experience cell culture is an advantage;
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

The position is temporary for the duration of 3 year. Depending on experience and qualification, the maximum gross monthly salary is € 3.196,- (on a full-time basis) in accordance with scale 7 of the Dutch university collective bargaining agreement. An 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance is also provided.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 20,000 students and 4,700 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Department of Internal Medicine

The scientific research of the department of Internal Medicine combines basic science with translational and clinical research. Our research group has strong links with clinical departments within the Maastricht UMC+ as well as many (inter)national collaborations with academic and industrial partners. CiMaas BV is a spinoff from the department and founded in 2015 by Gerard Bos and Wilfred Germeraad and is currently located on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus where it operates research and GMP manufacturing laboratoria.

Within this project, the candidate will collaborate with the department of Pathology from the UMC Utrecht to perform organoid cultures and animal models with (CAR)-NK generated NK cells.