We offer you an unique opportunity to contribute to research at the forefront of cancer microbiology. You will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and get to work in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research team focused on cancer microbiology, molecular pathology, and epidemiology. Apply now and become part of our international team that aims to make a real impact on colorectal cancer prevention and screening!

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with rising incidence rates. Recent studies have revealed that bacterial oncotoxins—carcinogenic compounds produced by gut bacteria—may play a significant role in CRC development. This project funded by the Dutch Digestive Diseases Foundation (MLDS), led by Dr. Annemarie Boleij at Radboudumc, aims to determine the extent to which bacterial oncotoxins contribute to CRC development in human populations.

Using unique longitudinal data from large cohort studies, you will analyze oncotoxin exposure, persistence, and associated oncogenic pathways. We will then develop strategies for oncotoxin-related cancer prevention and screening improvements. Our ambitious research is supported by a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of cancer microbiologists, pathologists, and epidemiologists, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, bioinformatics, and digital spatial profiling.

As a PhD student, you will play a pivotal role in this project. You will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Annemarie Boleij in the Cancer Microbiology Group and be part of the larger Gastroenterology Unit for Tissue Science (GUTS) at Pathology, led by Prof. Dr. Iris Nagtegaal. Our aim is to understand the complexity of host-microbe relationships in cancer at several levels to aid diagnosis, risk prediction and prognosis.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Laboratory Research: Conducting multiplex qPCRs to detect oncotoxins in fecal and tissue samples. Using Digital spatial profilng and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to analyze tissue samples and identify oncogenic pathway activation.
• Data Analysis: Performing univariate, multivariate, and linear mixed-model statistical analyses.
• Data Integration: Collaborating with metagenomics experts and bioinformaticians to combine data from sequencing, IHC, and spatial profiling.
• Scientific Communication: Writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting findings at conferences.

We offer professional development and training opportunities in data-analysis, presenting, writing and many more organized by our graduate school. You will have an opportunity to publish your research in scientific journals and present at international conferences.

You are a creative and highly motivated and collaborative individual with an MSc degree in (Bio)medical Sciences, Medical biology or similar degree, who is passionate about host-microbe interactions, cancer biology and data driven science. You posses good organizational and communication skills and are able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Further you recognize yourself in the profile below:

• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or next-generation sequencing.
• Excellent data analysis skills, with proficiency in R,or other statistical software.
• Experience in working with large datasets, and knowledge of the Dutch language (or willingness to learn) is a plus.

Fixed-term contract: For the duration of the PhD project (max 4 years).

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week.

Radboudumc

The Department of Pathology at Radboudumc is an internationally recognized hub for research and clinical diagnostics. The department plays a pivotal role in the investigation of cancer biology, with specific expertise in colorectal cancer, tumor microbiology, and molecular pathology within the Gastro-Intestinal Unit for Tissue Science (GUTS). Its research spans the full spectrum from fundamental research to clinical applications, enabling transition from discovery to real-world impact.

The department is known for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together pathologists, molecular biologists, microbiologists, data-scientists, artificial intelligence and epidemiologists to tackle complex health challenges. As part of this PhD project, you will join the Cancer Microbiology Group, led by Dr. Annemarie Boleij, a leading expert in cancer microbiology and oncotoxin research. The Cancer Microbiology Group is part of the larger GUTS led by Prof. Dr. Iris Nagtegaal, offering you access to a multidisciplinary research environment.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then send an email to Annemarie Boleij, Assistant professor in Cancer Microbiology. Use the Apply button to submit your application.