Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, largely due to its dense fibrotic environment, which hinders the efficacy of conventional therapies. This collaborative project, conducted in partnership with the biopharmaceutical company iOnctura, focuses on exploring the biological mechanisms underlying the interaction between cancer cells and the tumor stroma. Central to the research is the first anti-fibrotic drug used in oncology currently in Phase I clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, with the goal of deepen our understanding of its effects and improving its therapeutic potential.

Your responsibilities will be to:

• Plan and execute a defined research project, ensuring timely delivery of results.
• Iterate through hypothesis generation, experimental design, and data analysis to understand biological mechanisms and their relevance to the research objectives.
• Perform wet-lab experiments to generate high-quality scientific data.
• Review literature to develop expertise in relevant disease-related processes.
• Prepare regular progress reports and present findings at (internal) scientific meetings.
• Proactively identify novel disease mechanisms or indication opportunities based on generated data and literature review.

• A PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Oncology, or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge and research expertise in flow cytometry (FACS), multicellular culture systems, molecular biology techniques, and functional genetic screening (an advantage).
• Ability to independently interpret, troubleshoot, report complex data, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• Strong communication skills (proficient in both written and spoken English), versatility, team-oriented attitude, and high attention to detail.

• 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

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.

The CRISPR Center at Amsterdam UMC is a leading knowledge hub and facility laboratory focused on advancing genome editing technologies. Our mission is to support scientific research through state-of-the-art CRISPR services, foster innovation through cutting-edge projects, and provide education on CRISPR technologies. The center collaborates closely with clinical and academic partners to translate CRISPR research into meaningful applications. This project will involve close collaboration with Prof. Maarten Bijlsma’s group at the Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), and the company iOnctura.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely. Please send out your application in English.

Interviews are scheduled for December 16th. Please keep this date in mind when applying.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Rodrigo Leite de Oliveira, Assistant professor and Head of the CRISPR Center via r.ld.oliveira@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.