In the NWO open program CONQUEST, we aim to improve treatment and, therefore, both lifespan and quality of life of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. Through the development, application, and combination of advanced computational and experimental tools we will propose novel treatment strategies.

Join us!
MM is the second-most common hematological cancer, with a rising incidence in the increasingly aging population, as MM is most prevalent in the elderly. Despite the development of novel therapies that have improved survival, MM still has a dismal prognosis because MM cells become insensitive to the administered drug (treatment resistance). Recent studies have indicated that alternative drug combinations and treatment schemes can circumvent or delay the development of treatment resistance in cancer. However, the design of such treatment schemes is difficult for various reasons.

CONQUEST combines methods from mathematics, computer science and experimental research to enable the development of such treatment schemes.

You will work on the development of computational models and will collaborate with the Amsterdam UMC for the experimental work. You will develop a MM specific computational model for (aberrant) molecular pathways based on a pre-existing pan-cancer model, and integrate this with an evolutionary game-theoretic cell population model to optimize treatment timing and dosing through optimal control and game theory.

This project will be in close cooperation with Dr. Jeroen Guikema, Dr. Katerina Stankova and Prof. Antoine van Kampen. You will be embedded in the Biosystems Data Analysis Group at the Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences (UvA). Part of the work will be done at the TUDelft and at the Amsterdam UMC.

What are you going to do?
You will

• develop a molecular pathway model in the form of (stochastic) differential equations, that is specific for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MM cells. As a starting point we will use the existing open-source pan-cancer stochastic mechanistic model (SPARCED) for cell proliferation and death signaling;
• identify novel treatment schemes for MM, you will develop an evolutionary game theory model that describes eco-evolutionary dynamics of resistant and sensitive MM cells;
• collaborate closely with the Guikema group, who will carry out the experimental component of the project to parameterize your models and validate your findings;
• also work with the Stankova’s group in TU Delft on the development of the game-theoretic models and optimize their treatment;
• publish your results in international journals and present at leading conferences.

Your profile
Your experience and profile

You have/are:

• a PhD in (applied) mathematics, computational modelling, computational biology or a related field;
• strong programming skills;
• flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• a problem-solving mindset and being able to perform both team-oriented and independent work;
• knowledge and/or interest in game theory and cancer research;
• knowledge of molecular biology is a pre.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 32-38 hours per week for a period of 36 months with a 2 month probation period. The preferred starting date is 1 May 2025. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,378 and €5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime employment);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

Please contact:

• Dr. Huub Hoefsloot, Associate Professor, email h.c.j.hoefsloot@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 20 January 2025. Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.

(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of February 2025.