MD PhD student Chemosensing

We are looking for an enthusiastic physician-researcher to study how the different phases of the menstrual cycle influence breast cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Your role
Within the research divisions Molecular Pathology and Tumor Biology & Immunology, we investigate how the hormonal cycle of women affects immune cells, cancer cells, and sensitivity to therapies. Under the supervision of Prof. Jacco van Rheenen, Prof. Sabine Linn, and Prof. Marleen Kok, and in collaboration with national and international partners, we have shown in a mouse study that the hormonal cycle significantly influences the behavior and sensitivity of breast cancer cells to treatments, partly through continuous changes in the immune system. We have validated these findings in a small group of patients. Now, we aim to further validate these results in a larger patient group and study the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these important findings.
In this fundamental and translational research, you will play a crucial role. You will be involved in both the development and execution of a clinical study, while also diving deep into the mechanisms through fundamental research. The project will last for four years and will culminate in a Ph.D. degree.

Why the NKI?
At the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), we are all working toward the same goal: solving the cancer problem together. A big challenge, but not impossible. Here, science and care come together to drive innovation. We continually find new ways to help people with cancer worldwide. Here, we save lives, gain time, and improve quality of life—thanks to the latest techniques and, most importantly, thanks to our brightest talents who are curious, precise, warm, determined, and team players.
 

Your profile

• What do we expect from you?
• A medical doctor (MD) interested in fundamental oncological research.
• Creative, energetic, and curious.
• Able to work independently, with strong social and communication skills.
• Fluent in both English and Dutch.

What do we offer you?

• A temporary employment contract for four years.
• A salary depending on experience, ranging from a minimum of €4,015 to a maximum of €4,540 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 36 hours per week), according to the scale for physician-researchers/clinical Ph.D. candidates.
• 8.33% holiday allowance and a fixed year-end bonus of 8.33%.
• Travel allowance of €0.19 per km.
• Free parking for employees of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, with incentives for cycling and discounts on public transportation.
• Access to sports facilities at our Fit Boutiqs.
• An active staff association and YoungAVL, organizing sports, cultural, and creative activities and events.
• Employer contribution of 50% to your pension at the Pension Fund for Healthcare and Social Welfare (Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn).
• Group health insurance discounts with IZZ and Zilveren Kruis.

Interested?
Would you like more information about the vacancy? Please contact Prof. Jacco van Rheenen (j.v.rheenen@nki.nl), Prof. Sabine Linn (s.linn@nki.nl), or Prof. Marleen Kok (m.kok@nki.nl).