Principal Investigator Center for Molecular Medicine

As one of the 20 Principal Investigators at CMM, you will spearhead groundbreaking research, unraveling the intricacies and fundamentals of cancer biology. You are interested in the molecular organization and functioning of individual cells, and how their behavior contributes to the collective properties of (cancer) tissues.

We are particularly interested in PIs leading research groups with expertise in one or more of the following fields: cellular electron microscopy, bioinformatics for image analyses and proteomics, to enhance and complement the strong technological expertise of CMM. However, scientific excellence remains the primary criterion, alongside a vision on technological innovation and potential valorization of research findings.

You will join a dynamic international scientific community that thrives on interdisciplinary collaborations. You will work alongside experts in cancer biology, artificial intelligence, cancer metabolism, genome stability, cell signaling, cell biology, mechanobiology, and cancer-immunology, fostering an environment where groundbreaking ideas flourish. We provide unparalleled access to cutting-edge core facilities and advanced technologies in bulk and single cell genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, advanced microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, to ensure your research is at the forefront of innovation.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate with a strong academic background in Cancer Biology, who has a genuine passion for science and education. You thrive in innovative environments and are driven by a commitment to excellence and meaningful impact. We welcome candidates to apply at all career stages, from assistant to full professor.

Our ideal candidate:

• Has an outstanding scientific track record, >4 years of research experience after your PhD, with excellent publications as 1st and 2nd or last author (top 10%-25% international peer-reviewed journals. Patents count as publications).
• Has an innovative and creative research line in Cancer Biology or a related field that strengthens the CMM PI group.
• Has the potential to run an independent, externally-funded research program.
• Functions as a natural team player and an inspirational leader;
• Balances attention to personal and team development;
• Has interest in valorization, i.e. translating fundamental science to patient or societal impact.
• Has outstanding recommendations from previous supervisors/institutes.
• Has demonstrated affinity, vision and experience with teaching of Bachelor/Master courses in the Biomedical field, and supervision of Msc/Bsc students and/or technicians.
• Has strong didactic and communicative skills (will be assessed from science talk given by short-listed candidates).
• Has an international network.
• Has high standards for scientific integrity and adopts FAIR principles in data dissemination.

If you recognize yourself in most of these qualities, we would be thrilled to receive your application. Please limit your motivation letter to 2 pages, detailing your research vision for the coming years and how you feel you could complement and connect your research to ongoing research at CMM.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 8.555,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

The Center for Molecular Medicine (>180 people), embedded in the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), the Netherlands, performs cutting-edge biomedical, multidisciplinary fundamental and translational research in relation to a variety of diseases, with a major focus on cancer. The highly collaborative nature within the CMM and the use of state-of-the-art technologies is key to our success and enables the study of disease-causing mechanisms at different scales; from single genes and molecules to cells and organisms. We have outstanding in-house facilities for genomics, proteomics, spatial omics, metabolomics, and an in-house bioinformatics support facility. In addition, our advanced light and electron microscopy facility is internationally renowned for immuno- and correlative electron microscopy innovation and application. The CMM is committed to fundamental science and actively strives for clinical translation and academic entrepreneurship to increase the impact of fundamental science discoveries and to innovate the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. We offer a competitive funding package to start the lab.

In addition, we educate the next generation of biomedical professionals at the level of BSc, MSc, and PhD. Furthermore, we offer ample training opportunities for continued professional development. CMM finances rely heavily (2/3) on externally funded projects (e.g. EU, NWO, KWF, TKI).