Post Doc, Department of Radiotherapy, GROW, FHML

Post-doc focused on the role of Autophagy associated extracellular vesicles in glioblastoma multiforme. 

Job Specifications - (uitleg)

Solliciteer binnen 18 dagen op deze vacature

Requirements

We are searching for a highly motivated and independent coworker, ready to work hard and with interests in translational research and molecular or cell biology. The candidate must have completed a PhD thesis and received their PhD. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 9) is preferred. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a prerequisite.

Knowledge of basic techniques such as in vitro cell culture, RT-PCR, cloning and transfection is expected. Authorization to work with radioactivity (“Stralingshygiëne Niv 5b”, The Netherlands) is a plus but is not a prerequisite.

Post-doc focused on the role of Autophagy associated extracellular vesicles in glioblastoma multiforme

In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of both autophagy and extracellular vesicle (EV) research and their targeting potential within solid tumors in vivo. The research will be performed together within the group of Dr. K. Rouschop. Previously we showed that autophagy is primarily activated within the hypoxic regions of solid tumors, the radioresistant niche. Targeting autophagy resulted in a decrease in tumor hypoxia and sensitized tumors to irradiation.

Current research indicates that these hypoxic cells secrete EVs that display markers of autophagy. You will be involved in unravelling the biogenesis of these EVs, their function and their targeting potential. A large number of techniques and collaborations with experts in the field of autophagy and extracellular research will be at your disposal.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl, employees, A-Z.

Employment

Temporary, 3 years

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,000 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology

GROW focuses on research and teaching of (epi)genetic, cellular and (micro)environmental factors and mechanisms underlying normal (embryonic and fetal) and abnormal (cancer) development, with emphasis on translational research aiming at innovative approaches for individualizing prevention, patient diagnostics and treatment.

MAASTRO, Maastricht Radiation Oncology, is a co-operation between MAASTRO clinic, the University of Maastricht (UM) and the University Hospital Maastricht (azM) (see www.maastro.nl). MAASTRO consists of several divisions, including MAASTRO Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art radiotherapy to more than 3500 cancer patients each year from the mid and South Limburg area in the Netherlands. In addition, research and training at MAASTRO is carried out in MAASTRO Physics, MAASTRO Trials, MAASTRO School, and MAASTRO Lab.

MAASTRO Lab is a basic and translational research laboratory embedded within the GROW research institute of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. Research carried out in the past has been focused on the tumour microenvironment, autophagy, NOTCH and EGFR signalling, pathways of relevance to radiation oncology. MAASTRO Lab has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms ie UPR and autophagy, sensitizes tumors to irradiation. In addition, we have initiated translational and clinical studies based on these results.

The lab has 5 permanent scientists, 5 technicians, more than 10 PhD students and Post-Docs and is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology (e.g. flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy) and working with animals (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT & gantry, MRI 7 Tesla and micro-PET). MAASTRO lab has set up the necessary infrastructure for controlled exposures to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, including development of novel equipment that allows rapid and controlled changes in oxygenation. Access to expertise, equipment and resources within the much larger GROW research institute and other facilities in the University are also readily available, including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal facility.

Further information will be gladly given by Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl or telephone number: +31-(0)43-3884264. Please also visit http://www.maastrolab.com and http://www.grow-um.nl.