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

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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: PhD student for breast cancer drug research

PhD student at the Leiden / Amsterdam Center for Drug Research

Specifications - (explanation)

Location	Gorlaeus laboratories Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden
Function types	PhD positions
Scientific fields	Natural Sciences, Health
Hours	38.0 hours per week
Salary	maximum € 2612
Education	University Graduate
Job number	12-179
Translations	en

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Job description

The project is funded by a Dutch Cancer Foundation (KWF) and is entitled ‘Novel Protein  Kinases Targets In IGF-1 and EGF Receptor - Mediated Drug Resistant Breast Cancer’.

Treatment of breast cancer has improved with the introduction of anti-estrogen therapy. Yet a large percentage (>40%) of tamoxifen treated breast cancers eventually become resistant to tamoxifen, and also resistance to other anti-estrogens has been reported. Resistance to anti-estrogens has been linked to increased expression and/or activation of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as EGFR, IGF-1R and HER2. This may lead to downstream phosphorylation of the estrogen receptor and insensitivity to the antagonistic action of anti-estrogens.
We have recently established relevant models for anti-estrogen resistant breast cancer by ectopically expressing the human EGFR and IGF-1R in human MCF7 breast cancer cells. When stimulated with EGF or IGF1 respectively, these cells are almost completely resistant to inhibition of estradiol-induced cell proliferation by tamoxifen and fulvestrant. Using genome-wide protein kinase and phosphatase siRNA-based screening we identified >35 kinases and phosphatases in MCF7/IGF-1R cells that reversed the IGF1-induced tamoxifen resistance. These candidates may represent potentially novel drug targets for anti-estrogen resistant breast cancer. The goals of this project are to characterize these novel drug targets with respect to their role in tamoxifen resistance, breast cancer cell proliferation and survival in 3D models in vitro, and to validate the role of a selected number of these drug target candidates in control of cell proliferation, tamoxifen resistance, and tumor progression in vivo, in xenograft tumor models in mice.

Requirements

We seek a talented and highly motivated candidate with proven experience in cell and molecular biology, cell signalling and light microscopy. The candidate should have a MSc degree in (Medical) Biology, Life Science Technology, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences or any other closely related discipline. Experience or affinity with image analysis is recommended.

Conditions of employment

The candidate will work within the Division of Toxicology and the Leiden Cell Observatory.  We are situated in the Gorlaeus Laboratories on the Science Park Leiden. Currently, 30 researchers including technicians, PhD students, and Postdocs work in the Division of Toxicology. The candidate will become part of a young and dynamic team of around 30 PhD students and postdocs with a strong expertise in and signal transduction, breast cancer models, and live cell imaging. 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 with an extension of three years after positive evaluation. The salary will be set on € 2042,- per month in the first year up to € 2612,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered though other PhD training networks.

Organisation

Leiden University

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.

Additional information

For more information, please contact Prof.dr. Bob van de Water (telephone: +31 (0)71-5276223; email: water_b@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl), or Dr. John Meerman (telephone: +31 (0)6-53970982; email: meerman@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. More information on employment at Leiden University can be found at: www.medewerkers.leidenuniv.nl; or www.leidenuniv.edu.

More information about employer Leiden University on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/14905

Found here:  http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/LEI/vacancy/14905/lang/en/