Vacancy Postdoctoral researcher for personalized biomarker analysis in multiple myeloma

Job description

Are you interested in bringing breakthrough technology towards novel cancer-diagnostic applications? Come join our multidisciplinary team as a postdoctoral researcher.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the 2^nd most common haematological malignancy and is characterized by monoclonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. These plasma cells produce monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-proteins) that provide a unique cancer-biomarker. M-protein diagnostics is crucial for diagnosis, risk-stratification and follow-up of MM patients. Current treatment of MM is not curative. However, because of greatly improved treatment regimens in the past decade, more MM patients obtain a stringent complete remission in which residual tumor load can no longer be detected. Laboratory specialists are therefore challenged to develop more sensitive assays to monitor MM-disease (suggested reading) Our team has recently developed a personalized, ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry blood test that can detect minimal residual disease in MM patients (MS-MRD). This test strongly improves disease monitoring and may guide treatment of MM in the future. The aims of this project are to 1) automate the mass spectrometric data analysis of MS-MRD; and 2) integrate longitudinal data modelling, supported by AI, towards MS-MRD prognostic model & drug efficacy prediction algorithm.

The research in this 3-year project will be performed using longitudinal samples from an ongoing clinical trial, in close collaboration with the departments of Genetics (Translational Metabolic Laboratory), Hematology, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, and hematologists organized with the HOVON and industrial partners.

The MS-MRD method is currently based on measurement of clonotypic peptides with  a bottom-up proteomics approach using reverse-phase separation using a robust LC-MS setup with an Evosep One liquid chromatograph coupled online to a trapped ion mobility UHR-qTOF mass spectrometer (timsTOF Pro2). Quantitative data are generated with real-time data processing using Proteoscape.


Tasks and responsibilities

• You will coordinate the practical execution of the project, including supervison of technical support staff.
• You will be responsible for the design, organization and execution of the novel MS-MRD data processing and data analysis algorithms.
• You will communicate results within our multi-disciplinary team, play an important role in the supervision of the (PhD-)students in our team, present data on international meetings, and write scientific papers.

Place of work

The Laboratory of Medical Immunology (LMI) performs research and diagnostics for patients with immune related disorders. The main research topic is immune regulation from a translational perspective: designing new strategies for immunotherapy and defining biomarkers to monitor immune status and treatment efficacy in patients suffering from transplant related or (auto)inflammatory disorders or cancer. LMI has strong collaboration partners in the fields of onco-immunology, inflammatory sciences, and vaccination strategies.

Translational metabolic Laboratory 
The Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML) bridges patient care and translational research in inherited metabolic disorders. TML harbors a range of top researchers in the areas of inherited metabolic diseases, disorders of movement, mitochondrial diseases, protein glycosylation and more. Key technologies are mass spectrometry, next generation sequencing and a multitude of functional tests. TML scientists are part of large multi-omics programs, such as the Netherlands X-omics Initiative.

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.

Profile

For this project, we are looking for an ambitious candidate with a PhD in the field of Molecular Life Sciences and mass spectrometric analytical expertise. Preferentially experienced in data-processing/automatization and data-modelling. You also have strong communicative skills and, preferentially, experience with mass spectrometry.

• An independent and well-structured working style, demanding high quality of your own work
• Well-developed social and communicative skills directed to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research
• Excellent presentation and scientific writing skills

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• 172 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. (As of 1 January 2025, you will receive 176 vacation hours).

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.35 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 3 October 2024. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place on 7 or 8 October 2024. We would appreciate it if you would take this into account.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then call, send a message or email to Dr. Hans Jacobs, Medical Immunologist and Principle Investigator, via +31 (0)6 57 34 53 33. Use the Apply button to submit your application.