The research group of Dr. Julia Houthuijzen is dedicated to investigating the biology of stromal cells in the breast tumor microenvironment. We aim to understand the origin, heterogeneity and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on tumor development, progression and therapy resistance. 

Your main project will focus on:
1)    In vivo lineage tracing of CAF precursors in breast cancer mouse models. 
2)    In vivo targeting of pro-tumorigenic processes in CAFs and assess their effects on tumor development and therapy response. 
3)    Single cell transcriptomics of human lobular breast cancer specimens to further investigate CAF-tumor cell crosstalk.

The research will take place within the group of Prof. Jos Jonkers at the department of Molecular Pathology. The Jonkers lab has expertise in modelling human breast cancer in genetically and somatically engineered mice and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models.

Responsibilities
You will collaborate with members of the group of Jos Jonkers and other collaborators inside the institute and abroad. The position involves experimental animal handling and surgeries, intervention studies in mice and wet lab skills like flow cytometry, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry and single cell transcriptomics.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious and proactive PhD candidate with a background in cancer biology and preferably tumor-host interactions. We expect the candidate to be highly motivated, goal-oriented, creative and a team player. A master’s degree in biomedical sciences and fluency in spoken and written English are requirements. Experience in working with laboratory animals is a strong plus. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The PhD student will be employed for a period of 4 years. The gross salary per month will range from € 2.882,- to € 3.322,- according to the standard PhD scales. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). In addition you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus in December (8,33%) and in May you will receive 8,33% holiday pay. 

The Netherlands Cancer Institute

The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL), founded in 1913 and based in Amsterdam, is an independent comprehensive cancer center, comprising a hospital and research laboratories under one roof in a single independent organization.

Our research institute accommodates 750 scientists and scientific support personnel from more than 45 different countries. The Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital has 230 medical specialists, 212 beds, an out-patients clinic with around 140.000 visits annually, 12 operating theaters and 11 irradiation units for radiotherapy.

Our research institute gratefully acknowledges funding from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Dutch Cancer Society and individuals donors, and from project grants from national and international organizations.