Join our research efforts to understand competitive interactions in tissues. This process, which is in origin crucial for the development of tissues, can be used by tumours to boost their growth potential. We want to understand how this is regulated in space and time. The PhD position is a part of a research project CELL-FIT: Spatial and temporal regulation of cell competition lead by Dr Saskia Suijkerbuijk and funded by the European Research Council.

Your job
Every tissue in our body is a mosaic formed by individual cells that have different levels of cellular fitness. Competitive interactions, where the relative differences in fitness determine cell survival, therefore have a major impact on the physiology of a wide variety of tissues. Yet, due to the heterogeneity of competitive interactions, both in space and time, the dynamics of this process are difficult to unravel. The aim of this project is to combine organoid models, long-term quantitative imaging and single cell technology to mechanistically untangle the role of cell competition in intestinal cancer. Objectives of the project include:

• tool development to fluorescently recognise and manipulate interacting and competing cells;
• using long-term quantitative imaging and single cell technology to follow competing cells in space and time;
• understanding how competition affects different types of tumour growth and find shared regulators of this process.

We seek a collaborative and enthusiastic colleague who aligns with several or all of the following criteria:

• an (almost) completed Master's degree in Biology - if you did not complete your MSc yet, please indicate in your application letter when you are likely to graduate;
• a strong background in at least one but preferentially two of the following areas: Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or Developmental Biology;
• a keen interest in microscopy;
• proficiency in academic English;
• prior experience with the use of 3D cell culture models is an asset.

We offer:

• a position for four years:
• a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will work in the group of Dr Saskia Suijkerbuijk in the developmental Biology division (Department of Biology). The Suijkerbuijk group works closely together with the group of Dr Luca Braccioli, with whom we share an interest in cellular interactions in mammalian culture models. We have close contact with the other Developmental Biology groups led by Professor Sander van den Heuvel, Professor Mike Boxem and Dr Suzan Ruijtenberg. You will therefore be part of an interdisciplinary and dynamic team of researchers that share many common interests and approaches.

For more information, please contact Saskia Suijkerbuijk at s.j.e.suijkerbuijk@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.