We are looking for a PhD candidate who will contribute to the development of non-invasive biomarkers for the prediction of outcome esophagogastric cancer treatment.

Esophagogastric cancer has a notoriously poor prognosis, although recent developments in the field of systemic therapy, including immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival outcomes. However, these therapies may come with side effects. Thus, being able to select the right patient for the right drug remains the pinnacle of medical oncological research efforts.

Non-invasive assessment of metabolism directly in the tumor sites of interest using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may provide such biomarkers to predict treatment outcome. Alternatively, from analyses of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) or the faecal microbiome biomarkers may be derived to predict treatment outcome.

Therefore, in this PhD-trajectory, the candidate will set-up and coordinate a multi-center study to investigate whether MRI scans measuring tumor metabolism can predict outcome of first-line treatment of esophagogastric cancer. In addition, the PhD candidate will be involved in the analyses of ctDNA, PBMCs and faecal microbiome of currently accruing clinical studies (among others the LyRICX study (see clinicaltrials.gov NCT03764553).

Our group has expertise in non-invasive biomarker development and works closely together with experts in the field of MRI, ctDNA. PBMCs and the faecal microbiome within Cancer Center Amsterdam, which will allow for the perfect environment to bring this project to a successful end.

Your main task will be to set-up and coordinate the multi-center metabolic MRI study.

• You will work on the entire MRI chain. You will operate state-of-the-art MRI machines (7 Tesla), acquire MRI data, and analyse the MRI data.
• You will closely collaborate with the MRI-physics group at the Amsterdam UMC, in which you will closely work together with other PhD candidates (with technical and medical backgrounds).
• You will perform research on biomarkers such as ctDNA, PBMCs and microbiome.
• Your will be publish in top-rated high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• You will regularly be presenting the work at (international) conferences.
• You will assist in relevant teaching activities.
• You will collaborate with your fellow PhD students.

We are searching for candidates who want to apply their knowledge and skills to ultimately improve oncological care. On the one hand, the student must enjoy going undertaking the effort to coordinate a multicenter study and motivate colleagues to include patients and on the other hand be willing and able to perform technical MR and laboratory work.

A candidate must have:

• A master degree in Technical Medicine or Medicine
• An interest in oncological care and, in particular, in MRI and biomarker development
• An interdisciplinary mindset; open and proactive in interacting with researchers from different disciplines (e.g. doctors, biological and technical researchers)
• Dutch as well as English communication, presentation and writing skills
• Highly motivated and creative

Additional skills we would like to see:

• Experience with MRI and MR-physics (or other medical imaging approaches)
• Experience with laboratory techniques (please state which)

Working at the Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment in which developing one`s talents and skills are encouraged. As PhD candidate, you have access to the Graduate School to further develop your skills. We offer a salary in line with the Collective Labor Agreement for University Medical Centers in the Netherlands (CAO UMC).

• Salary range is 3.536,- tot 5.088 euro Gross in full-time employment. The monthly wage will increase yearly.
• In addition, there is an annual bonus of 8,3% and a holiday allowance of 8%.
• The position is for 3 years.
• There is a range of added fringe benefits, such as collective discounted rates for several insurances, an attractive bicycle scheme and/or public transport allowance, and free parking.
• Pension is built up at BeFrank.

Amsterdam UMC

You will be part of the medical oncology research group (prof. dr. Hanneke van Laarhoven) at Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC (location VUMC) and work closely together with the MR physics group (prof. Aart Nederveen) will be the promotores.

The research group offers a resourceful and stimulating scientific environment.