Research technician ‘Drug sensitivity of patient-derived xenograft models’

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest medical centers in The Netherlands. More than 13.000 employees provide patient care and medical education and perform biomedical research. The environment is ambitious, dynamic, and international, with state-of-the-art facilities. You will have the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in the Departments of Medical Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology using our well-equipped animal facility. Our research focuses on finding new targets for treatment of cancer patients. Groningen provides a good living environment being a lively university city, while the surrounding area provides rest and space.

Project
The overall aim of our KWF-funded consortium project is to identify and validate genetic factors that determine sensitivity to a clinically interesting inhibitor to guide optimal treatment of high-grade ovarian cancer patients. Specifically, we will characterize sensitivity of this inhibitor in genetically-characterized, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of ovarian cancer that we have established. Result from studies with these PDX models, combined with cell line data, will be used to identify and validate additional genetic factors that determine sensitivity to this inhibitor. It is currently unclear if subcutaneous implantation versus implantation in the original place in the body would systematically lead to a different drug response. This will be investigated in an EU-funded project using colorectal cancer PDX models treated with a targeted drug. Our task within this EU consortium is to monitor drug responses using animal magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography.

Job description

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated research technician for these two projects focusing on animal studies using PDX models. The research technician will perform animal experiments and ex-vivo analyses of the tumors. You will also be involved in vitro drug sensitivity and mechanistic studies using cell cultures. The research technician will work in a team with other PhD students.

What do we need

• High affinity with animal experiments, an article 9 or 12/13f permit and interest in investigating drug treatment in cancer models.
• Experience with some or several of the techniques listed; animals handling, imaging of animals, immunohistochemistry, cell biological techniques, molecular biology techniques such as Western Blotting, generation of CRISPR/Cas9 knockout cell lines and flow cytometry.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

What do we offer

A full-time contract for two years with possible extension afterwards. Your salary will be a maximum of € 3.184,- gross per month (scale 7) depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). English: http://www.nfu.nl/english/about-the-nfu/

More information

For more information about this vacancy you may contact:
Prof. dr. S. de Jong, telephone contactinformatie

Applying for a job

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 23 February 2020.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.