Vacancy PhD candidate 'Bacterial oncotoxins causing colorectal cancer: Is it a problem?'

Job description

We offer you an unique opportunity to contribute to research at the forefront of cancer microbiology. You will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and get to work in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research team focused on cancer microbiology, molecular pathology, and epidemiology. Apply now and become part of our international team that aims to make a real impact on colorectal cancer prevention and screening!

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with rising incidence rates. Recent studies have revealed that bacterial oncotoxins—carcinogenic compounds produced by gut bacteria—may play a significant role in CRC development. This project funded by the Dutch Digestive Diseases Foundation (MLDS), led by Dr. Annemarie Boleij at Radboudumc, aims to determine the extent to which bacterial oncotoxins contribute to CRC development in human populations.

Using unique longitudinal data from large cohort studies, you will analyze oncotoxin exposure, persistence, and associated oncogenic pathways. We will then develop strategies for oncotoxin-related cancer prevention and screening improvements. Our ambitious research is supported by a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of cancer microbiologists, pathologists, and epidemiologists, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, bioinformatics, and digital spatial profiling.

As a PhD student, you will play a pivotal role in this project. You will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Annemarie Boleij in the Cancer Microbiology Group and be part of the larger Gastroenterology Unit for Tissue Science (GUTS) at Pathology, led by Prof. Dr. Iris Nagtegaal. Our aim is to understand the complexity of host-microbe relationships in cancer at several levels to aid diagnosis, risk prediction and prognosis.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Laboratory Research: Conducting multiplex qPCRs to detect oncotoxins in fecal and tissue samples. Using Digital spatial profilng and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to analyze tissue samples and identify oncogenic pathway activation.
• Data Analysis: Performing univariate, multivariate, and linear mixed-model statistical analyses.
• Data Integration: Collaborating with metagenomics experts and bioinformaticians to combine data from sequencing, IHC, and spatial profiling.
• Scientific Communication: Writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting findings at conferences.

Place of work

The Department of Pathology at Radboudumc is an internationally recognized hub for research and clinical diagnostics. The department plays a pivotal role in the investigation of cancer biology, with specific expertise in colorectal cancer, tumor microbiology, and molecular pathology within the Gastro-Intestinal Unit for Tissue Science (GUTS). Its research spans the full spectrum from fundamental research to clinical applications, enabling transition from discovery to real-world impact.

The department is known for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together pathologists, molecular biologists, microbiologists, data-scientists, artificial intelligence and epidemiologists to tackle complex health challenges. As part of this PhD project, you will join the Cancer Microbiology Group, led by Dr. Annemarie Boleij, a leading expert in cancer microbiology and oncotoxin research. The Cancer Microbiology Group is part of the larger GUTS led by Prof. Dr. Iris Nagtegaal, offering you access to a multidisciplinary research environment. 

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare. 

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Profile

You are a creative and highly motivated and collaborative individual with an MSc degree in (Bio)medical Sciences, Medical biology or similar degree, who is passionate about host-microbe interactions, cancer biology and data driven science. You posses good organizational and communication skills and are able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Further you recognize yourself in the profile below:

• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or next-generation sequencing.
• Excellent data analysis skills, with proficiency in R,or other statistical software.
• Experience in working with large datasets, and knowledge of the Dutch language (or willingness to learn) is a plus.

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:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

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 13 Januari 2025. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews take place on 22 January 2025. We would appreciate it if you would take this into account. An assessment may be part of this application procedure.

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 send an email to Annemarie Boleij, Assistant professor in Cancer Microbiology. Use the Apply button to submit your application.