Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a difficult to treat disease especially at later stages. The main challenge is the enormous patient to patient variation in response as well as the so-called intra tumor heterogeneity.

In our search for novel therapeutic avenues we have focused on the mitochondria as a potential Achilles' heel in CRC. We uncovered that multiple novel combination therapies modulate the mitochondrial integrity and allow for tumor-selective targeting by unleashing the intrinsic cell death machinery.

Your project aims to unravel the mechanism underlying this tumor selectivity and addresses how mitochondrial homeostasis is changed in CRC. The ultimate aim is to identify selective targets for therapy that use mitochondrial dependency of CRC.

About your role

• You will be primarily responsible for the execution of this project. You will combine therapeutic targeting of CRC cell lines and primary normal colon and CRC cultures.
• Mitochondrial metabolism, fission and fusion as well as release of cytochrome c and subsequent cell death will be studied.
• Mechanistic aspects will be studied using CRISPR screens and validated with drugs targeting crucial players.
• Finally you will translate findings to in vivo models.

• You hold a biological, medical or chemistry-oriented master degree.
• You have experience in laboratory sciences and have performed practical laboratory internships preferably in the oncological, cell biological domain.
• You like to work in a team and collaborate.
• You are pro-active and outgoing.
• You combine curiosity with practical skills.

• A flying start to your career in research work in a metropolis with a diverse and open culture, and a multicultural society.
• Working with motivated colleagues from all corners of the world.
• You will start with a contract for one year (12 months) in accordance with the CAO UMC 2022-2023, with the possibility of extension for another three years (36 months).
• PhD students (Onderzoeker in Opleiding) are placed in scale 21, with a fulltime gross salary. The starting salary is € 2.789,- and increases to € 3.536,- in the fourth year. The position is for 4 years.
• In addition to a good basic salary, you will receive, among other things, 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation allowance. Calculate your net salary here.
• Pension via BeFrank
• Reimbursement of 75% of your public transport costs. Would you rather travel by bike? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.

Amsterdam UMC

The position is open in the Center of Experimental Molecular Medicine within the Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology. Within this lab a large number of scientists (>70) among which more than 40 PhD students, study cancer biology mainly in gastroenterology. This large team is a dynamic group of highly skilled enthusiastic young scientists who all have strong ambitions to successfully drive their respective projects. The continuous effort to learn and improve makes our department a perfect place for an ambitious young scientist.

The team you will join is the group of Jan Paul Medema, specialized in colorectal cancer subtypes, Cancer Stem Cells and therapy resistances mechanisms.

For more info check Jan Paul Medema - Amsterdam UMC research portal

Cancer Center Amsterdam (amsterdamumc.org)

Starting a new job at AMR!