Mac4Me (Macrophage Targets for Metastatic Treatment) is a pan-European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (DC) aimed at understanding the specific tumour cell-immune host interactions at the metastatic site to identify new immune targets. Mac4Me will use animal-free organ-on-chip (OoC) systems to recapitulate early liver, bone and brain metastasis of cancer developing across our life, such as neuroblastoma, breast and prostate cancer. Data from these preclinical models will be integrated with real-world clinical data using AI approaches to identify new immune targets. Mac4Me offers a unique and innovative research training programme comprising both scientific knowledge and transferable skills and integrating participatory science principles as a starting point.

At Erasmus MC, the candidate will focus on establishing a standardized human liver organ-on-chip integrated with (age-relevant) organ-resident and blood monocyte-derived macrophage population and identify macrophage and matrix changes induced upon interaction with prostate or breast cancer cells. In collaboration with our Mac4Me partners compounds to target this immune interaction will be selected and tested in the model. The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with other Mac4Me candidates that focus on the brain and bone metastasis OoC in Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. Intensive collaboration and short-stay research visits to our partners in Italy, the UK, Ireland and France are planned as an integral part of the project. The research will be complemented with a multidisciplinary educational agenda shared by all Mac4Me candidates.

You are a highly motivated international candidate with a university MSc degree. At the time of recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment. You have received excellent scientific training in the field of Biomedical Sciences, Medicine or a related field.

A successful candidate will have an interest in the molecular biology of (prostate and breast) cancer and macrophages. Experience with (3D) cell culture techniques will be considered a strength. Our potential new colleague should have outstanding theoretical and experimental research skills, and a pronounced team spirit. A strong command of (scientific) English in speech and writing is essential. A certificate of conduct from the candidate is a condition for the appointment.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3.017,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.824,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Erasmus MC

The Erasmus MC is an internationally recognized centre for high-quality, compassionate care, highly rated transfer of knowledge and high-quality knowledge development in the fields of illness and health. The candidate will enter the Erasmus MC PhD programme. On top, the Mac4Me consortium comprising European, Australian and US academic and private sector research groups, will offer a dedicated network and training programme with frequent meetings and workshops, and yearly secondments to different partners.

The candidate will be a member of the van Weerden lab at the Experimental Urological Oncology research group of the Department of Urology as part of the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute. The candidate will work within a research team that comprises researchers and technicians dedicated to prostate cancer research, but with ample collaborations with clinicians and researchers on other cancer types, such as breast cancer.