VACANCY: Postdoc “Novel Anticancer Targets for Killing Drug Resistant Breast Tumor Cells”

Faculteit der Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen

Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research

The Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) is part of the Faculty of Science. The LACDR is a leading institute, which performs fundamental and strategic scientific research in the field of innovative drug research.
The division of Toxicology is part of the LACDR. The mission of the division is to understand the signal transduction networks in cancer development, progression and treatment with the ultimate aim to develop better and safer anticancer therapies. A focus of the division is on understanding the mechanisms that underlie drug resistance in breast cancer using synthetic lethality screening approaches.
The division of Toxicology is looking for a;
Postdoc “Novel Anticancer Targets for Killing Drug Resistant Breast Tumor Cells” (38 hours per week) Vacancynumber 13-132
Project Description
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that has a poor disease prognosis. These tumors lack estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and lack all receptors for which there are currently in breast cancer targeted agents available. Patients with TNBC are still treated with non-specific toxic chemotherapeutic drugs such as anthracycline and/or taxane-based chemotherapy. Newly developed targeted (combination) therapies are urgently needed for this heterogeneous subgroup of breast cancer patients. Genomics analysis of TNBC has identified various gene products that are associated with poor disease prognosis, yet their role in drug resistance is unclear. This project will involve a systematic RNA interference-based knock down screen of candidate modulators of drug resistance. We will use a small representative panel of human TNBC cell lines for synthetic lethality screens to identify novel drugable targets that can sensitize TNBC to common anticancer drugs. High content imaging-based approaches will be used. The role and mechanism of candidate genes will be studied in further detail in relation to DNA damage responses and/or mechanisms of cell death using molecular cell biology approaches. This project is a direct collaboration with the department of Medical Oncology at the Erasmus MC supporting the translation of the in vitro findings to the patient.

Requirements

We seek a talented and highly motivated candidate with proven experience in cell and molecular biology, cell signalling and cellular imaging. The candidate should have a PhD degree in the area of Oncology or Molecular Cell Biology and have demonstrated experience with screening and (breast) cancer. Experience or affinity with bioinformatics and cellular imaging is highly recommended.

We offer

The candidate will work within the Leiden Cell Observatory using state-of-the-art high content screening equipment. We are situated in the Gorlaeus Laboratories on the Science Park Leiden. Currently, 25 researchers including technicians, PhD students, and Postdocs work in the Division of Toxicology. The candidate will become part of a young and dynamic team with a strong expertise in cancer research and signal transduction. We offer a vibrant, research-driven work environment with emphasis on team spirit, excellence, and skills development.
Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for the duration of one year. An extension of two years after positive evaluation is possible. The function is validated in the University Function Ordening system (UFO) under the profile “Onderzoeker 4”. The salary will be set, depending on education and work experience, between the gross minimum of € 2403,- and gross maximum of € 3793,- per month, based on fulltime employment (salary scale: 10). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package which includes an end-of-year premium of 8.3%, opportunities for personal development and possibilities for ‘personalized’ benefits via our Cafeteria model. More information about employment at Leiden University can be found at: www.leidenuniv.edu.

Information

For more information, please contact Prof.dr. Bob van de Water; telephone: +31-(0)71 527 6223; email: water_b@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl
Additionally, you can visit the websites of the Division of Toxicology, the Faculty of Science, and the LACDR: toxicol.lacdr.gorlaeus.net; www.science.leidenuniv.nl; www.lacdr.nl.

Applications

Do you identify with the profile above and aspire a career in bioscience? Please apply by sending your written application, full Curriculum Vitae and two letters of reference before May 13th, 2013 to the attention of Prof. dr. Bob van de Water.
Please follow this link to our application site; http://jobs.lacdr.leidenuniv.nl/2013/lacdrpd1

Found here: http://www.werkenbij.leidenuniv.nl/vacatures/wetenschappelijke-functies/13-132-postdoc-novel-anticancer-targets-for-killing-drug-resistant-breast-tumor-cells-.html 

Vacancy Postdoc Pathology (organ-specific metastases in colorectal cancer)

Job Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) - Postdoc Pathology

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Postdoc Pathology

Specifications - (explanation)

Location	Nijmegen
Function types	Postdoc positions
Scientific fields	Health
Hours	36.0 hours per week
Education	Doctorate
Translations	en

Apply for this job within 4 days

Job description

We have a vacancy for a post-doctoral fellow within a research program focusing on the identification of molecular factors that guide organ-specific metastases in colorectal cancer. While prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer has improved remarkably over the past decades, metastatic disease is the cause of death in a majority of colorectal cancer patients. Over the years many models have been developed to explain the metastatic process in detail, however, the molecular basis is still poorly understood. Recently, we have identified genetic aberrations in primary tumors that are involved in liver-specific metastases. Follow-up studies revealed specific high level amplifications involved in the development of metastatic disease. Unique patient series in combination with high quality molecular research will enable us to increase our knowledge within the next years.  The aim of the current project is to unravel the molecular processes and networks underlying organ-specific metastasis. The experimental work will be performed in collaboration with the Nijmegen Laboratory for Tumor Genetics.
The post-doctoral scientist:

• designs and performs scientific  research
• writes grant applications
• performs molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR, ion torrent, sequencing)
• performs situ hybridization techniques

Requirements

The post-doctoral scientist will primarily be recruited on the basis of scientific background and reputation and should be able to advance and complement the group’s present research program. We are looking for a creative and innovative scientist. Molecular and cellular biological expertise is required. Expertise with large scale genomic analyses and affinity with functional studies is preferred.

Conditions of employment

Temporary, after the first year, a positive evaluation of the postdoc can lead to an extension to a maximum of 3 years in total.

Organisation

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC)

Nijmegen www.umcn.nl/ UMC St Radboud
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) is a leading academic centre for medical science, education and health care. Knowledge forms the heart of our organisation, connecting research, education and patient care. Over 10,000 staff and 3,500 students are committed and ambitious to contribute to the future of health care and medical science.
Driven by knowledge, empowered by people.

Department

Pathology

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) is a leading academic centre for medical science, education and health care. Knowledge forms the heart of our organisation, connecting research, education and patient care. Over 10,000 staff and 3,500 students are committed and ambitious to contribute to the future of health care and medical science. The research of the department of Pathology is embedded in the RUNMC Research Institute for Oncology and the Nijmegen Centre of Molecular Life Sciences (NCMLS).

Additional information

For more information about this position you can contact Dr. Iris Nagtegaal, T 0032 (0)24 3610229.

More information about employer Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/16334

Vacancy: Job Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) - PhD Student Ear-Nose-Throat Department

PhD Student Ear-Nose-Throat Department

Specifications - (explanation)

Location	Nijmegen
Function types	PhD positions
Scientific fields	Health
Hours	36.0 hours per week
Education	University Graduate
Translations	en

Apply for this job within 20 days

Job description

The PhD student will perform research for the project entitled “The zebrafish model as a tool for the gene therapy for retinal degeneration caused by mutations in USH2A: new insights and treatment”, a grant from Dutch foundations for eye disorders.
Both fundamental and translational research are part of the project. The researcher:

• is part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers
• presents the results in scientific journals and on meetings
• takes part in the activities for graduate students of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour

Additional information:
Defects in the USH2A gene are the most common cause of Usher syndrome (deafblindness) and an important cause of nonsyndromic retinal degeneration. The gene is too large for gene augmentation therapy with the currently available vectors. Therefore, alternative strategies will be developed to achieve (partial) gene function. Also, novel handles for therapeutic strategies will be sought by unraveling the function of the USH2A protein. Zebrafish will be employed as animal model for these studies.  

Requirements

MSc in biology, molecular life sciences or biomedical sciences

• Experience with molecular biological techniques
• Experience with zebrafish studie
• Team oriented and enthusiastic  

Conditions of employment

Temporary 4 years
Maximum all-in yearly salary on full time basis is € 38,000 gross

Organisation

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC)

Nijmegen www.umcn.nl/ UMC St Radboud
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) is a leading academic centre for medical science, education and health care. Knowledge forms the heart of our organisation, connecting research, education and patient care. Over 10,000 staff and 3,500 students are committed and ambitious to contribute to the future of health care and medical science.
Driven by knowledge, empowered by people.

Department

Department of Ear Nose and Throat ENT

The department of Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) has a long-standing interest in hereditary hearing loss and deafblindness (Usher syndrome) and is a (inter)national reference centre for patients with hearing impairment. World-leading scientific research in this field is being performed on both the clinical and molecular aspects of the disorders. The Molecular Otogenetics research group is housed in the department of Human Genetics and is part of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences (NCMLS) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour.

Additional information

For more information please contact dr. Hannie Kremer, Professor for molecular otogenetics, tel: +31 (0) 24-3614017, H.Kremer@gen.umcn.nl. 

More information about employer Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/13601

Apply here:  http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/UMCR/vacancy/13601/lang/en/

The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL) is looking for a fulltime Postdoc Molecular Genetics

Specifications - (explanation)

Location	Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Function types	Technical, Laboratory positions, Postdoc positions, Research, Development, Innovation
Scientific fields	Natural Sciences
Hours	36.0 hours per week
Salary	€ 3153 - € 4034
Education	Doctorate
Job number	AT 98
Translations	en

Apply for this job within 42 days

Job description

We want to design new intervention strategies for lung cancer. These are urgently needed in view of the burden of this cancer. Therefore, we have developed mouse models that closely mimic the different lung cancers observed in man. In these models we have identified the cell-of-origin of the various lung tumor subtypes and we now want to determine how the ontogeny and the associated specific mutations influence the tumor characteristics such as their response to therapy. We approach this with advanced genetic methods that enable us to instantly generate new tumor models. We are particularly interested in therapy resistance mechanisms. Insight in these mechanisms should lead to improved treatment modalities for these tumors
Recent relevant publications:
Sutherland, K.D., Proost, N., Brouns, I., Adriaensen, D., Song, J-Y., and Berns, A. (2011). Cell of Origin of Small Cell Lung Cancer: Inactivation of Trp53 and Rb1 in Distinct Cell Types of Adult Mouse Lung.  Cancer Cell 19, 254-64.
Calbo, J., van Montfort, E., Proost, N., van Drunen, E., Beverloo, H., Meuwissen, R., and Berns, A. (2011) A functional role for tumor cell heterogeneity in a mouse model of Small Cell Lung Cancer.  Cancer Cell, 19, 244-56.
Huijbers, I.J., Krimpenfort, P., Berns, A., and Jonkers, J. (2011). A chimeric approach for rapid validation of candidate genes and drug targets in established genetically engineered mouse models of cancer.  Bioassays 33, 701-710.
The work will be carried out in the group of Anton Berns  in the Division of Molecular Genetics at The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Amsterdam), which offers a dynamic and international working environment and state-of-the-art facilities.

Requirements

We seek a motivated and ambitious postdoc wishing to continue a successful scientific career. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD and have a strong background in mouse genetics, proven ability to conduct multidisciplinary research in a competitive field, and an excellent record of early achievements. Knowledge of molecular biology or bioinformatics is advantageous.

Conditions of employment

The temporary employment will be for a period of 3 years. The gross salary per month will be from € 3.153,- to € 4.034,- according to the FWG-function group 55-60, depending on proven qualities and previous experience. Foreigners may benefit from a tax reduction facility. We can assist you in finding housing and child daycare facilities in the area. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). Apart from being a specialized institute and hospital with good working conditions and an excellent atmosphere, the NKI-AVL has also been listed in the top 10 of ‘Best Employers’ in 2011.

Contract type: Temporary, 3 years

Organisation

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI-AVL)

The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL) covers all major areas of cancer research and has special interest in adoptive cell therapies, requiring close collaboration between clinical and basic scientists.

Additional information

For more information about available projects, please contact Prof. Anton Berns(e- mail: a.berns@nki.nl; phone +31 20 5121991).

More information about employer The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI-AVL) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/13342

Found here:  http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/NKI/vacancy/13342/lang/en/