The Universiteit van Amsterdam is hiring a PhD student to join a research project investigating if and how the WNT/CTNNB1 pathway can be targeted for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer. You will work on improving a biomarker gene signature and obtaining proof-of-principle for pathway modulation.
What You'll Do
- Complete and defend a PhD thesis within four years.
- Use state-of-the-art experimental approaches to measure and manipulate WNT/CTNNB1 signalling, including mammalian cell culture, molecular/cell biology techniques, CUT&RUN, RNA-seq, and PDX studies in mice.
- Perform experiments in a systematic and well-controlled manner.
- Keep accurate records by thoroughly documenting and organising your work.
- Stay current with relevant scientific literature.
- Discuss work in lab meetings, incorporate feedback, and contribute to others' projects.
- Assist in teaching and supervise BSc/MSc students during their research internships.
- Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme.
What We're Looking For
- A recent MSc degree in the biomedical sciences or a related area.
- A strong interest in developmental, stem cell and cancer biology.
- Affinity with WNT signaling and mammary gland biology.
- Affinity with gene regulation and chromatin biology.
- A strong intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research.
- An Art. 9 qualification or the willingness to become Art. 9 qualified.
- Willingness to work with mice.
- Willingness to supervise BSc and/or MSc students during their internship.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience with bioinformatics analyses (e.g., R, Python).
- Experience with mammalian cell culture, DNA cloning, CUT&RUN or ChIPseq.
- Experience with mouse handling and histology analyses.
Technical Stack
- Mammalian cell culture
- Molecular biology techniques
- Cell biology techniques
- CUT&RUN
- RNA-seq
- PDX studies in mice
- Bioinformatics (R, Python)
Team & Environment
You will work in collaboration with a bioinformatician.
Benefits & Compensation
- Learn a wide variety of experimental and data analysis techniques.
- Build a network as part of (inter)national collaborations.
- Present work at (inter)national meetings.
- Continuously hone academic, professional and personal skills.
- Contribute to science communication and outreach activities.
- Gross monthly salary from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 (scale P) based on 38 hours per week.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position at the University of Amsterdam.
We are looking for a colleague who works well independently but also contributes to team efforts, has good communication skills, uses organizational skills for efficient planning, pays attention to detail while keeping an eye on the bigger picture, and applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
