PhD student to study the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of genomic instability

Within the Jacqueline Jacobs lab at the Division of Oncogenomics we are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic PhD candidate with a strong commitment to science and solid expertise in molecular and cellular biology that will work to uncover the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of genomic instability in cancer.

While genome instability is a key hallmark of cancer, we still have an incomplete understanding of the processes that prevent or cause genomic instability and of the conditions that determine how well cells tolerate genomic instability. In this KWF funded fundamental research project we aim to tackle this by identifying and mechanistically investigating novel factors with a significant impact on genome stability and the consequences of genome instability. We identify these factors through genome-wide functional genetic screens that read out the consequences of telomere deprotection, a key cause of genome instability. We will set out to identify novel factors that promote lethal telomere-driven genomic instability that results from aberrant DNA repair activities at deprotected telomeres, and we will investigate their mechanism of action. In addition, we will set out to identify factors that do the opposite and suppress lethal telomere-driven genomic instability. We will investigate their mechanism of action and how the inhibition of these factors may be exploited in cancer therapy by increasing genomic instability over the limit that is tolerable for cell survival. Together this work will increase our understanding of the processes that cause, worsen or prevent genomic instability and will contribute to identifying potential ways to selectively eliminate incipient or advanced cancer cells with instable telomeres, or those prone to other forms of mutagenic DNA repair.

This is a 4-year project completed with a PhD, starting in fall/winter 2025

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we all want the same thing: to make a difference in the world of cancer together. Quite something but not impossible. Here, science and care work together on innovation. Time and again, we find new ways to help people with cancer worldwide. Here we save lives, gain time and quality. Thanks to the latest techniques and, above all, to our finest talents who are curious, precise, warm, go-getters and team players.

Your Profile

If the challenge appeals to you and you recognise yourself in the conditions below, we would like to invite you to apply.

• 
  You have a Master degree in medical biology, molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, or related field;
• You are interested in basic research that aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying genomic instability and ways to exploit these in cancer treatment;
• You are ambitious, creative, precise, energetic and curious;
• You are highly self-motivated, capable of independent thinking and are a very good experimentalist;
• You can work independently as well as in collaboration with others in an international team;
• You have good social and communication skills and a problem-solving attitude;
• You are fluent in English.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

• A temporary contract for a period of four years, for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between €3.665,- and €4.450,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the OIO scale and depending on your experience;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

• A great opportunity in a specialised hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow yourself if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncology professional knowledge, skills and personal development;

• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association;

• During your PhD trajectory you follow the training and supervision plan offered by the Oncology Research School Amsterdam (OOA);

• In addition to these employment conditions, the NKI-AVL offers an excellent working atmosphere in a specialized hospital.

Interested?

Apply now via the application button! Please attach your application letter, CV (including your grades), and contact information for two references to the application form (link) on our website. Ensure that the reference information and overview of your grades are included along with your cover letter or CV, as there is no option to submit them separately. .

Take note: please respond to this vacancy only via the application button, and not via email.

The closing date is Friday, September 19.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Sluitingsdatum:

19 sep. 2025

Aantal uur:

36

Salaris:

€ 3.665 - € 4.450

Opleidingsniveau:

master degree

Mylene van der Velden

Jacqueline Jacobs