Job description
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in determining how tumors respond to radiotherapy. Features such as stromal composition, hypoxia, and cellular senescence can contribute to radioresistance and may therefore represent potential therapeutic targets.
In this PhD project, you will investigate how modulation of the TME can enhance the response to radiotherapy. The project will combine patient-derived models and in vivo tumor models to study how different TME characteristics contribute to treatment response and to explore potential strategies to target these mechanisms. A range of complementary preclinical approaches is used, including hypoxia modulation, targeting of senescent cells or cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), (image-guided) radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition. Treatment response and underlying mechanisms will be assessed through readouts such as DNA damage and repair, tumor growth and characterization of the TME. The precise experimental approaches will be guided by the scientific findings and direction of the project.
Profile
Requirements
- An MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field, or an equivalent degree,
- A strong interest in preclinical cancer research,
- Motivated to investigate biological mechanisms underlying treatment response,
- Curious, enthusiastic about experimental science, and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology, tumor biology, radiobiology or immunology is an advantage.
- Experience with preclinical animal models is welcome, and candidates holding an Article 9 certificate for working with experimental animals are especially encouraged to apply.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 4 years.
Well arranged
With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
Compensation
You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.
Flexible benefits scheme
With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
Warm welcome
We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
Changing allowance
If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
Salary increase
At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.
Work–life balance
We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
Growth and development
Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.
Employer
Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.
At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.
Department
Radiotherapie
At the Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology (ROI) lab of the department of Radiation oncology, ~ 20 researchers aim at better understanding how tumor cells interact with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and how these interactions influence response to cancer treatment, with a particular focus on radiotherapy.
Research is centred around the complex interplay between tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells and other components of the TME. We aim to identify and therapeutically target TME features that contribute to treatment resistance, and to develop strategies that enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy. Our work combines imaging, molecular, cellular and immunological approaches, ranging from mechanistic studies to preclinical in vivo models.
The ROI lab is located within the department of Radiation Oncology, allowing for frequent interaction between basic and translational research and clinical practice. This provides an excellent environment for translating mechanistic insights into novel therapeutic strategies.
Additional information
This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!
Want to know more? We’re happy to provide more information! Marleen Ansems 📧 Send an email
#weareradboudumc
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