Research Technician at GROW-School for Oncology - Department of Radiotherapy, 0.9 FTE

Research technician focused on identifying new treatments that affect tumor cell metabolism in brain tumors, 0,9 FTE. Job Specifications - (uitleg)

Solliciteer binnen 16 dagen op deze vacature

Job Description

In this position you will perform research focused on new medications that interfere with mitochondrial metabolism to treat aggressive brain tumors, glioblastoma. The research will be performed together with Dr. Marc Vooijs’ team. Previously we showed that targeted drugs against the NOTCH pathway enhance the effect of radiation and chemotherapy and interfere with the survival of hypoxic tumor cells. These hypoxic regions in tumor cells are highly treatment-resistant. We hypothesize that altering tumor cell metabolism will make tumors less hypoxic and more treatment sensitive and improve outcome. To do so we will investigate novel applications of existing drugs that interfere with oxidative phosphorylation.

Within this position you will be involved, together with members of our teams, in establishing in vivo tumor models using primary and established tumor cell lines and using advanced non-invasive imaging techniques to study the effect of pharmacological interventions combined with tumor specific irradiation. All techniques are up and running in our department.  

Furthermore, you will be conducting molecular- and cell biological studies performed in the lab, where a large number of techniques (on DNA, mRNA, protein, cellular and tissue level) will be used to 1) study tumor cell metabolism 2) support in vivo findings and 3) test novel hypotheses.

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 Bachelor of Science or Masters degree and willingness to work as a laboratory technician. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 12 or Art. 9) is required. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a prerequisite. Knowledge of basic molecular biology skills mammalian cell culture vitro cell culture, RNA and protein analysis  is preferred. Authorization to work with radioactivity (“Stralingshygiëne Niv 5b”, The Netherlands) is a plus.

Conditions

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 > Support > UM employees.

Your gross monthly salary will be min. € 2.114,- and max 2.854,- based on a fulltime basis, in accordance with salary scale 7.

Employment: Temporary, 2 years

Organisation

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.

Department

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, in particular hypoxia, autophagy and NOTCH signalling, all of relevance to radiation oncology. MAASTRO Lab has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms 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 15 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 mouse models (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT and BLI, 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 advanced microscopy, and the animal facility.

Additional Information

Further information will be gladly given by marc.vooijs@maastrichtuniversity.nl or telephone number: +31-(0)43-3882912. Please also visit http://www.maastrolab.com.

Please note: internal candidates have priority