Cancer cells orchestrate a tumor-supportive environment by recruiting and reprogramming non-cancerous host cells and by remodeling the vasculature. This dynamic process depends on interactions between cancer cells and resident (or recruited) non-cancerous cells, such as immune cells, of the tumor microenvironment. We have recently characterized the immune environment of gastrointestinal peritoneal metastases (the Peritoneal Immune system (PerIS)), as well as the tumor immune microenvironment of peritoneal metastases.

In the current project, you aim at understanding how these immune-related factors contribute to poor prognosis and resistance to therapy of peritoneal metastases from gastrointestinal origin. The overarching aim is to find novel immunomodulatory treatment options for patients with peritoneal metastasized cancer. In this project, you will use innovative approaches, including scRNA-sequencing, single cell spatial transcriptomics, and functional in vivo and in vitro models.

As a postdoctoral reseacher, you will conduct cutting-edge research combining wet lab and dry lab techniques in equal measure.

• In the wet lab: you will perform co-culturing experiments as well as in vivo animal models for peritoneal metastasized colorectal and gastric cancer. You will use flowcytometry, multicolor immunohistochemistry, scRNA-sequencing and single cell spatial transcriptomics, for example.
• In the dry lab: you will focus on bioinformatics and data analysis, with a strong emphasis on (single-cell) RNA-seq analysis.

Your main goal will be to uncover novel therapeutic targets for peritoneal metastasized disease. You will collaborate with the Department of Medical Oncology, Surgery and you will be embedded within Oncode Institute.

• You have a PhD in a field related to biomedical sciences, (immune)oncology, immunology or bioinformatics;
• You are an experienced scientist in the field of immunology and/or oncology;
• You have experience with bioinformatics and big data analysis (single-cell transcriptomics)
• You possess excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken;
• You are an enthusiastic team player with positive social skills;
• Experience with bioinformatics (e.g., in R/Python);
• An art.9 or equivalent FELASA diploma

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months (extension possible, subject to funding).
• Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 gross per month based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 186,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Amsterdam UMC

You will be working in the lab of Joep Grootjans, Gastroenterologist and Immunologist, Amsterdam UMC/Oncode Institute (The Grootjans Lab), and you will be embedded in Oncode Institute.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Joep Grootjans, via j.grootjans@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.