2 Postdoctoral researcher positions

The Maurice group, based at the Center for Molecular Medicine at the University Medical Center Utrecht, and member of the national Oncode Institute, The Netherlands, has open positions for 2 postdoctoral researchers. We are looking for highly motivated and talented candidates that can join our team in the summer of 2021. The recruited postdocs will work closely with other members of our team to address molecular aspects of renewal and regeneration in intestinal and pancreas (cancer) tissues, using state-of-the-art technologies including genome editing, genomics, proteomics, (single cell) transcriptomics and imaging with organoid-based disease models.

Our research

The overall aim of our research group is to gain a fundamental understanding of the dual nature of signals that guide homeostatic tissue renewal and cancer cell growth. In healthy tissue renewal, a handful of signaling pathways supports the maintenance of small populations of adult stem cells. Deregulation of these pathways due to mutations is strongly linked to cancer development. Our main focus is to investigate how patient-derived mutations alter protein activity to promote the initiation and progression of cancer growth. With these insights we aim to uncover patient-specific disease mechanisms and develop improved cancer-targeting strategies. For more information, please visit: https://madelonmauricelab.nl/

Job descriptions

Postdoctoral position 1: Wnt niches in cancer

A 1.5-year postdoc position, funded by Oncode, is available in our laboratory to investigate the role of Wnt niches in colorectal and pancreatic cancer subsets that display Wnt-dependent growth. In this project, we aim to identify and characterize populations of Wnt-producing niche-like cells and investigate the transcriptional programs and cell lineages that are induced by autocrine Wnt signaling within these cancer subsets. The approaches and methodologies involve organoid culture, genome editing, biochemistry, reporter assays, advanced (live) imaging, (single cell) RNAseq analysis, and mass spectrometry.

Postdoctoral position 2: LKB1 mutations and cancer predisposition

A 3-year postdoc position, funded by the Dutch Cancer Society, is available in our laboratory to investigate how hereditary LKB1 mutations generate a state of gastrointestinal cancer predisposition in patients suffering from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). In collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, we will generate a living biobank of intestinal PJS organoids to investigate how LKB1 loss affects intestinal cellular organization and function. Furthermore, in collaboration with Prof. Edwin Cuppen, we will investigate how LKB1 loss influences the mutational landscape to drive tumor growth. The approaches and methodologies involve organoid culture, genome editing, advanced (live) imaging, (single cell) RNA and DNA sequencing, in vitro and in vivo modeling of tumor growth, and mass spectrometry.

Your qualifications and expertise

For both positions, we are looking for highly motivated, ambitious and creative candidates, with the following competencies and experience:

• You have a PhD in molecular or cell biology, preferentially with a strong background in tissue renewal and cancer biology
• Experience in the computational analysis of bulk and/or single-cell RNA sequencing data will be regarded as a strong advantage
• You have an ability to independently envision, plan and execute a research project
• You have excellent technical skills; preferably, you have experience with culturing cells/organoids and applying CRISPR-based technologies
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both verbally and written
• You are committed to work in a team

Work environment

You will be based at the at the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) of the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), in Utrecht, The Netherlands (https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/research/center/center-for-molecular-medicine). The Maurice group is also affiliated with the national Oncode institute for cancer research https://www.oncode.nl/. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, international and collaborative research environment. Our institute harbors modern laboratories and offers direct access to a number of advanced core facilities, including genome sequencing, single cell technologies, and proteomics. We have weekly meetings for data sharing, journal clubs, seminars with invited international speakers as well as opportunities to join the postdoctoral network Utrecht (PNU) that offers tailored training programs and career events https://www.uu.nl/en/education/graduate-school-of-life-sciences/postdocs/postdoc-network-utrecht).

Terms of employment

Your salary will be based on a full-time and fixed-term appointment of 36 hours, and the terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC). Both positions may be filled as per July 1, 2021.

Application process

Please send a single PDF document containing a cover letter with your motivation, a summary of previous research activities, curriculum vitae including publication list, as well as contact details of 2 references to m.m.maurice@umcutrecht.nl, before June 15, 2021.

Information

Information regarding the lab and institute can be obtained at: https://madelonmauricelab.nl/, and https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/research/center/center-for-molecular-medicine

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ingrid Jordens (i.jordens@umcutrecht.nl) or Prof. Madelon Maurice (m.m.maurice@umcutrecht.nl)