Annually 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are seen worldwide and 50% of patients die of the disease. Patients with metastases to the peritoneal cavity (peritoneal metastases, PM) have the worst prognosis because they do not respond to systemic therapies. Immunotherapy is directed at activating the patient's own immune system to attack cancer cells and has shown tremendous success for certain types of metastasized cancer. Unfortunately, only the minority of CRC patients benefit from immunotherapy. Understanding immunotherapy resistance requires a detailed understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TME).

In this project, we aim to provide a highly detailed map of the microenvironment of peritoneal metastatic CRC, which allows for the identification of novel candidate immune suppressive and potentially targetable factors in PM-CRC. We thereby aim to discover novel immunomodulatory treatment targets. The expected long-term social (and economic) impact of this project is to improve survival and reduce disease burden in patients with PM-CRC, which remains a large unmet clinical need.

About the role
The postdoc will develop a detailed map of the tumour immune environment in peritoneal metastasized CRC using CyTOF and single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), combined with highly innovative spatial profiling techniques including imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and digital spatial profiling (dsp). This enables phenotypic immune- and cancer cell characterization in patients with peritoneal metastasized CRC with single cell resolution within their spatial context. The overarching goal is to identify novel targets for immunotherapy.

The postdoc will further be involved in testing potential novel immunotherapeutic targets in our established mouse peritoneal metastases models.

The work includes co-supervision of a PhD candidate and will allow for development of new lines of research.

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and pro-active candidate with the following qualifications:

• PhD, preferentially in the field of (tumour)immunology
• Experience in (mechanistic) biological modelling
• Bioinformatic skills, including strong skills in R
• Experience in immunology is a plus
• Experience in oncology is a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

We offer ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.

• A jump start to your career in research work.
• All te space for you to contribute shaping the care of tomorrow.
• Working on large-scale and research project, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• We offer a contract for a year (12 months) with the intention to be extended for the duration of the project (3 years).
• In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMR also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• An active personnel association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organise fun (sports) activities and events.

Amsterdam UMC

The Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, houses the university hospital and the medical faculty of the University of Amsterdam, as well as several research institutes, including the Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research.

The Tytgat Institute within the AMC houses the fundamental and translational research in the field of hepatology and gastroenterology. Research in the Tytgat Institute is fundamental but usually built on a clinical question, aiming to provide results that can be translated into clinical practice. Extensive collaboration between physicians and researchers ensures a close link between the clinic and basic research. Similarly, multiple long-lasting public private partnerships have evolved demonstrating that our research is easily exploited.

Research lines include metabolic and cholestatic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, microbiome, and early life nutrition. The institute has a strong involvement in the curriculum of Biomedical Sciences, and Medical School teaching programs.

https://www.amc.nl/web/research/tytgat-institute-for-liver-and-intestinal-research.htm