Wat ga je doen?

Finding regulatory mutations in the non-coding cancer genome of diffuse type gastric cancers

Wat ga je doen
The overarching goal of the project is to develop a powerful genomics pipeline for screening and functional interpretation of such mutations. This should ultimately lead to algorithms that identify relevant non-coding mutations in sequenced genomes of individual cancer patients.

Within this larger multidisciplinary project your contribution lies in the development of organoid models from diffuse type gastric cancers which will be used to determine the functional consequences of non-coding mutations. Mutations will be introduced by CRISPR editing of which the consequences will be further characterized using in vitro and in vivo assay.

Over het project
Within the research group of dr. S. Derks at Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, we take multiple efforts to understand the biology of gastric cancer in order to find better therapies and improve outcome. While large genome and transcriptome studies such as those from The Cancer Genome Atlas have identified genomic drivers and potentially targetable pathways in gastric cancer, for cancers from the genome stable subgroup (often diffuse type gastric cancers), it is not immediately clear which genomic events drive their aggressive phenotype. As previous studies have mainly focused on the protein-coding parts of the genome, which form only 3% of our genome, this project aims to establish the overall importance of mutations in the non-coding genome in cancer.

Wat neem je mee
We are looking for an enthousiastic post doc with a biological background and a broad interest and experience with organoid development, genomic editing and genomics. You are a team-player with excellent communication skills. You enjoy a challence and have experience with working in a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented work environment.

Wat bieden we jou

• We offer a contract for 1 year that will be extended till september 2026 after successful evaluation.
• In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance. Do you want to know what you will earn? Then calculate your net salary here (subject to change).
• Your pension is accrued with the ABP; VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs) and also we offer a bicycle arrangement.
• Free and unlimited access to our online learning environment GoodHabitz.
• An active staff association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organise fun (sports) activities and events.
• For an overview of all our other terms of employment, see https://www.werkenbijvumc.nl/watwijbieden/

Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy.

Waar en met wie werk je samen
Within the department of Medical Oncology, the laboratory of dr. S. Derks studies the role of the genome of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma and the interaction with the tumor micro-environment at a clinical and preclinical level in gastro-esophageal cancer. She closely collaborates with Prof. Hanneke van Laarhoven, upper-GI cancer specialist and head of the department, as well as Prof. Tanja de Gruijl, professor of translational tumor immunology and head the Immunotherapy and Immune monitoring Lab at the Cancer Center.

The research is supervised by dr. Sarah Derks from the department of Medical Oncology at the Cancer Center Amsterdam and is part of a large research consortium lead by prof. Bas van Steensel and Prof. Emile Voest from the Dutch Cancer Institute. You will work in multidisciplinary team of scientists from different research institutes. At Amsterdam UMC you will work in a young and dynamic team that works on the interface between clinical and fundamental research.

The culture is open and cooperation generally low key. Moreover, we strive for equal opportunities for everyone. This means that there is room for everyone's culture, origin, ideas and creativity.

Interesse in deze functie
For more information about this position please contact dr. Sarah Derks via s.derks@amsterdamumc.nl

For more information about the application process please contact Tanja Hart, Recruitment adviser, via t.hart@amsterdamumc.nl or via 06-21603178.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read hier whether this also applies to you. If you join us, we ask for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.