Are you interested in fundamentally understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to switch their identity? Cancer cells can switch from one cell type to another, and back again. This ability is called 'cell plasticity' and represent a significant barrier to treatment success, yet the mechanisms that control it are poorly understood. Are you excited to become an expert in gene regulation and stem cell biology? Then this PhD position might be a great match for you!

Your job
This project is aimed at better understanding how inflammatory factors induce liver cancer cells to switch to a stem-cell like state and its contribution towards therapy resistance.

You will first identify transcriptomic and epigenetic events in liver cancer stem cell populations using state-of-the-art fluorescent cell sorting, sequencing, and in vitro 2D/3D liver models. Secondly, you will determine the contribution of identified molecular events towards cancer cell plasticity and therapy resistance utilising crispr-cas/shRNA silencing technologies or specific inhibitors. This project will include the creation of endogenously fluorescent tagged cancer stem cells to study the dynamics of gene expression and fates of liver cancer stem cells in real time by live cell imaging.

This PhD position is hosted at the division of Cell biology, Metabolism & Cancer of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The research group is part of the Regenerative Medicine Centre Utrecht, and is located in the Hubrecht Institute. You will work in a very lively and inspiring research environment surrounded by outstanding research labs. You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities including single cell analysis, imaging, and biobanks with patient materials. The project is a close collaboration with researchers from Princes Maxima Centrum, the Netherlands Children Cancer Institute. As a team, we prioritise effective collaboration, giving each other constructive feedback, and both professional and personal development. At Utrecht University there are plenty of opportunities to facilitate your development.

You are interested in cell biology and have a learning and exploring attitude. You are keen to develop yourself personally and professionally. You put your good collaboration and communication skills to good use. And more specifically, you:

• have (or are close to completing) a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular & Cellular Biology or a closely related field;
• have demonstrated experience with 2D/3D mammalian cell culturing and with molecular cloning;
• preferably have experience with epigenetic analysis, including methylation and chromatin modifications.

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 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.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

For more information, please contact the supervisors of this project: Professor Alain de Bruin at a.debruin@uu.nl and Dr Bart Westendorp at b.westendorp@uu.nl.