We are looking for a Postdoc Researcher to perform scientific research on mechanisms of tumorigenicity of stem cells.

Similar to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be maintained in culture indefinitely (self-renewal) and differentiate into virtually all cell types of the human body (pluripotency). Since they capture the genotype of the donor, hiPSCs are already used successfully for studying mechanisms of disease and for drug testing. The fact that hiPSCs can be generated from any human individual makes the concept of personalized medicine a realistic goal. However the presence of residual, potentially malignant cells among the cell population being transplanted represents a serious safety issue and requires rigorous testing and identification of unsuitable hiPSC lines beforehand. Currently, the potential tumorigenicity of hiPSCs is tested by injecting cells into mice where they either form benign teratomas or malignant teratocarcinomas. However the Teratoma tumorigenicity assay is animal-dependent, costly, time-consuming and only qualitative and has never been standardized. Since the number of hiPSC lines is steadily rising and (pre)clinical studies are already on their way there is an urgent need for a new quantitative gold standard assay which is animal-independent. This project aims to develop and validate in vitro assays based on microRNAs which is able to predict the tumorigenicity of hiPSCs and can therefore replace the in vivo tests and ultimately to study mechanism of tumorigenicity.

Your findings will be published in peer reviewed journals and you will present your work in the department and at international conferences. Depending on your experience, you may be responsible for the daily supervision of MSc or PhD students.

The required techniques include:

• cell culture of stem cells;
• microRNAs;
• single cell analysis;
• high-throughput screening assays;
• generation of induced pluripotent stem cell lines, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout cell lines;
• histology, advanced microscopy, FACS;
• experience with experimental mouse models (Cre/Lox, mouse models for cancer), cancer research, molecular and cellular biology, and stem cells/organoids is highly desirable. Holding the Dutch authorization to work with experimental animals (Article 9 of the Experiments on Animals Act) is a strong prerequisite though not essential, especially for foreign applicants. Equivalent Felasa-approved certificates obtained abroad may apply.

We are looking for a colleague who:

• is highly motivated, believes in sharing and is a team player
• has experience with some or several of the techniques listed;
• has a completed PhD in Cell Biology, or Cancer Biology.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year. In case of good performance, extending the employment with another two years is one of the possibilities. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2.709 and €4,274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1.500 students.

The Department of Pathobiology provides education and conducts research in the fields of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathobiology. The department has three chair groups: Anatomy and Physiology (A&P), Pathology and Pathobiology. The mission of the Department of Pathobiology is to collect and distribute knowledge about the function and disfunction of cells, tissues and organs.