The department of Pathology mission is to inform clinicians for the optimal available treatment outcome while avoiding unnecessary side-effects and over-treatment. The vision of the Exosomes Research Group is to develop advanced molecular techniques for minimially inavasive (blood-based) diagnostics. We foresee that blood test will become increasingly important for future (early) cancer diagnosis and evaluation (monitoring) and prediction of treatment response.

In multidisciplinary teams our main aim to personalize the treatment of cancer patients. The Liquid Biopsy Center of the Cancer Center Amsterdam, is a unique initiative to collect blood samples and clinical data of thousands of cancer patients. The ERG develops innovative sequencing protocols and computational tools to analyze cell-free RNA and DNA in the blood of patients. In this project we aim, together with lab-on a chip and gene-editing experts from the Universities of Twente and Wageningen, to detect RNA biomarkers with CRISPR-Cas13. This technology is ultra-sensative and may revolutionize ‘point of care ‘cancer diagnostics.

You will work with state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to profile blood samples in search of molecular signatures that predict outcome. These blood samples will be collected in national and international clinical trials. Specifically, you will look for advances in cell-free DNA and cell-free RNA computational analysis with a focus on circulating extracellular vesicles (EV) as nulecic acid sopurce as these nanoparticles are used by tumor and immune cells for inter- and inter-tumor communication. State of the art cfDNA analysis includes fragmentomics and methylation, while EV-RNA analysis will be performed with deconvolution to assess EV origin, composition and dynamics.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who has recently received or will soon receive a PhD in molecular biology, genomics and/or bioinformatics with:

• Proven affinity for cancer and/or immunology research;
• Experience with genomic analysis from high-throughput sequencing data (R, Phython,Matlab) and affinity with statistics and machine learning will be a plus;
• The ability to work independently, but can thrive in a multi-disciplinary academic environment and communicate fluently in English, verbally and in writing.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for personal development with a wide range of training & development of academic skills
• Working on large-scale and own research, with motivated colleagues
• A contract for 6 months with the prospect of extension for the duration.
• Salary scale: 10, 11: € 3.493 tot € 5.504 bruto (based on a fulltime workweek), depending on qualifications and experience.
• Additional benefits including an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay. Calculate your net salary here.
• Your pension is accrued at BeFrank. A modern, understandeble en fair pension
• Excellent accessibility with public transportation and reimbursement of a large portion of your travel expenses. Additionally, we have plenty of parking spaces at the AMC location and a good bicycle scheme.

Amsterdam UMC

You will be housed in the Exosomes Research Group, an internationally-oriented laboratory belonging to the department of Pathology at Amsterdam UMC. You will closely collaborate with the other researchers from the departments of hematology. You will have access to large collections of patient genomics and transcriptomics data from serially collected samples obtained through the liquid biopsy center at the Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA).

You will work closley with experienced bioinformaticians within our department, external collaborators in Spain and the UK and clinicians within the departmenrs of hematology and medical oncology

Working at Amsterdam UMC, VUmc location means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect. We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow!