OIO position at Van Gent / Essers

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a major clinical challenge, with limited durable responses to immunotherapy. Proton therapy offers highly precise dose delivery and may induce distinct biological and immunological effects compared to conventional photon radiotherapy. However, the mechanisms by which proton irradiation modulates anti-tumor immunity remain insufficiently understood.

In this PhD project, you will investigate interactions between immune cells and tumor cells in clinically relevant preclinical models. You will use patient-derived HNSCC tumor slice cultures and orthotopic immunocompetent mouse models to study how proton therapy shapes the tumor microenvironment and systemic immune responses. Detailed immune profiling will include flow cytometry, spatial and molecular analyses, and functional immune assays, performed in close collaboration with Radboudumc within the IMMUNO-PROT consortium.

This project aims to define optimal proton therapy–immunotherapy combination strategies and to generate mechanistic insights that support clinical translation. You will contribute to high-impact publications and present your findings at national and international meetings.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular/Cell Biology, Immunology, Radiation Biology or a related field, allowing enrolment in a PhD program at Erasmus MC
• Strong interest in experimental cancer research and immuno-oncology
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, immunological assays or animal models (experience with in vivo models is an advantage but not required)
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Students completing their Master’s degree during the application period are welcome to apply.. The candidate should be able to independently design, conduct and evaluate research projects, have outstanding theoretical and experimental research skills, is well-organized and result-driven with a strong team spirit. Furthermore, a strong command of (scientific) English in speech and writing is essential (EUR requirements minimum IELTS overall score of 7.0 [comparable to TOEFL PBT: 600; TOEFL CBT: 250; TOEFL IBT: 95]). Being able to present a certificate of good conduct, a valid proof of identity are conditions for the appointment.

You will be appointed at the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and embedded within a multidisciplinary research environment at the interface of radiation biology, DNA damage responses and tumor immunology. The project will be supervised by Dr. D. van Gent and Dr. J. Essers and is part of the national IMMUNO-PROT consortium, funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF).

The Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking research, we aim to improve today’s healthcare and tomorrow’s public health. The institute offers state-of-the-art research facilities, including advanced irradiation platforms, molecular biology laboratories and animal research facilities. You will be enrolled in the Erasmus MC Graduate School and benefit from a structured PhD training program.

The department of Molecular Genetics at the Erasmus MC (https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/research/departments/molecular-genetics) has a strong world-wide reputation in understanding the DNA damage responses at the molecular, cellular and physiological level. The department consists of a vibrant and international group of more than 80 researchers working on various aspects of DNA damage, DNA repair and other DNA damage related responses. We offer a dynamic, challenging, and cooperative research environment and an excellent training and supervision platform through the PhD teaching program of our Erasmus MC graduate school (https://www.erasmusmc.nl/nl-nl/graduate-school).

The Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking work, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow. To stimulate research, the Erasmus MC provides access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

For more information about this position, please contact Jeroen Essers via e-mail j.essers@erasmusmc.nl