PhD Position in Molecular Oncology: Targeting Autophagy-Deficient Cancers for Personalized Therapy

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 the dept. of Radiotherapy UM/MAASTRO Lab.

The dept. of Radiotherapy 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 in the past has focused on the tumour microenvironment (hypoxia), autophagy, extracellular vesicles, NOTCH signaling and tumor metabolism, pathways and mechanisms of relevance to radiation oncology. The dept of Radiotherapy has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms ie autophagy, sensitizes tumors to irradiation. In addition, we have initiated translational and clinical trials based on these results.

The lab is shared with the group “Precision Medicine’ and collectively accommodates 8 permanent scientists, 6 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). The dept of radiotherapy 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.

The dept of Radiotherapy offers a 4-year position for a PhD-student to unravel the molecular mechanisms that allow autophagy-deficient cancers to progress and identify compensatory mechanisms for development of personalized therapeutic approaches:

The recycling mechanism, autophagy, is, due to the survival benefit for fast growing and metabolically challenged tumor cells, believed to be essential for tumor growth. Nevertheless, we previously identified that a substantial proportion of tumors is incapable to activating autophagy. These tumors develop differently, display phenotypic alterations and patients with these tumors have different prognoses after therapy.

In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of an important and newly identified subpopulation of human cancers. The work performed will stretch from basal and mechanistic understanding how these cancers, despite lack of autophagy, have been able to progress into advanced tumor lesions with the intention of identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities. The work will therefore stretch from “wet-lab” experiments to in vivo application. In the second year, an additional PhD-student will be recruited that will focus on identifying autophagy-deficient cancers using artificial intelligence (AI) based diagnostic image analysis. As a team, you will be at the forefront of the development of a strategy to identify ánd treat patients with autophagy-deficient cancers effectively.

The proposed work in this vacancy will be executed at the lab of the dept. of Radiotherapy (UM, group Prof. K. Rouschop). A large number of techniques and collaborations with experts in the field of autophagy will be at your disposal Your expert supervisory team will furthermore consist of Prof. A. Dekker (Clinical data science, Maastro/UM) and Dr. I. Samarska (Pathology, AzM).

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. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 9) or willingness to obtain Art. 9 is required. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a requirement. Knowledge of basic techniques such as in vitro cell culture, RT-PCR, cloning and transfection is expected. Interest and/or affinity for AI-based developments is preferred, but not essential.

What we offer
As PhD Position in Molecular Oncology: Targeting Autophagy-Deficient Cancers for Personalized Therapy at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 and €3707,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total. 

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).  FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
 

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Kasper Rouschop at Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl or telephone number: +31-(0)43-3884264. for more information.

Please also visit www.maastrolab.com, www.maastro.nl and www.grow-um.nl.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Position in Molecular Oncology: Targeting Autophagy-Deficient Cancers for Personalized Therapy? Apply now, no later than June 1, 2025, for this position.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.