Do you want to drive innovative research in pediatric oncology surgery? Join the Princess Máxima Center as a Group Leader in Surgical Research covering different specialties and contribute to advancing surgical techniques that maximize tumor resection while preserving healthy tissue and minimizing complications and improving outcome. In this role, you will lead a dynamic and diverse research group that aims to develop and implement new technologies and to run surgical clinical trials, all with the goal of improving outcomes for children with cancer. We look forward to meeting you.
Background
The current (Wijnen) Group is a surgical research group within the Princess Máxima Center, bringing together specialists from pediatric surgery, orthopedics, pediatric neurosurgery, head and neck surgery and radiology. The overarching goal of the group is to optimize tumor resection margins while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and minimizing complications. This ambition is realized through the use of cutting-edge techniques and personalized approaches, tailored to the type of tumor and specific surgical strategies. Currently, the group has a strong focus on the development of 3D and fluorescent guided surgery (oncological and orthopedic surgery) and intraoperative MRI-guided surgery with development of augmented reality (neurosurgery).
The group is involved in several tumor working groups within the Máxima and in international groups and participates in a number of international research collaborations. The Wijnen Group is at the forefront of research in areas such as image-guided surgery, including 3D imaging/printing, augmented and virtual reality, fluorescence-guided surgery (both non-specific and targeted), and electromagnetic navigation. A key focus is on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to correlate CT/MRI scans with pathology. Additional areas of research include vascular access and line sepsis prevention, benchmarking surgical outcomes, and monitoring late effects of tumor surgery. The neurosurgical group has a focus on both intraoperative MRI guided surgery with automated preoperative tumor segmentation used in augmented reality and intraoperative tumor diagnostics through nanopore methylation sequencing to support pre-operative decision making.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the group already provides exciting interaction among the participating surgical specialties in pediatric oncology and it is expected to expand benchmarking efforts through international collaborations and broaden the use of fluorescence in surgical procedures for all tumor types, including lymphoma. The group also aims to leverage 3D imaging to enhance patient education and establish a dedicated 3D surgical lab that can serve as a resource for other departments. The successful nanopore sequencing techniques, developed and validated for pediatric oncological neurosurgery will be expanded to pediatric oncological surgery as well. Another important area of focus will be monitoring the late effects of tumor surgeries to improve long-term patient outcomes. The group is a multidisciplinary group which includes pediatric surgeons, orthopedics, neurosurgeons and technicians, surgeons, PhD students, a postdoctoral fellow and is closely associated with the 3D technical lab of the UMCU surgical group.
Position
As Group Leader, you will be responsible for driving innovative research in pediatric oncology surgery, focusing on advancing surgical techniques and technologies, and to support promising research collaborations among the participating pediatric surgical specialties You will oversee a growing team, guiding PhD students and researchers in their projects and supporting them in developing their scientific skills. Your role will include coordinating and expanding the group’s research efforts, expand the collaborations in the technical field, ensuring high-quality research outcomes, and building new international collaborations. You will also play a pivotal role in securing external funding for new and ongoing projects.
As a new Group Leader, you will step into an established and dynamic research group, inheriting ongoing projects and collaborating with current team members, including PhD students and researchers, to advance the group’s goals.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading research projects focused on improving surgical outcomes in pediatric oncology
- Implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D imaging, augmented reality, fluorescence-guided surgery, and AI applications
- Managing a team of researchers, including PhD students, and mentoring them through their scientific development
- Expanding international collaborations and benchmarking surgical results
- Collaborating with clinical departments to translate research findings into practice
- Supervising the development and operation of the surgical 3D lab as a service for other departments
- Monitoring and addressing late effects following pediatric tumor surgery
Qualifications
We are looking for an experienced, visionary, and collaborative leader with a strong background in pediatric oncology surgery and technical innovations.
The ideal candidate will have:
- In-depth knowledge of pediatric oncology surgery and surgical techniques
- Proven experience in utilizing advanced surgical technologies, such as image-guided surgery, fluorescence-guided surgery, and AI applications
- Significant experience in managing and mentoring PhD students and researchers
- Strong people management skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach
- Expertise in quality management and improving surgical outcomes
- A track record of successful research project management and international collaborations
- Experience in securing external funding for research projects
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a full-time position (based on 36 hours a week) within a stimulating and interactive research environment. As a Group Leader, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects that directly impact the care of children with cancer. Your gross monthly salary will be determined based on your experience and qualifications, according to either the CAO Ziekenhuizen (FWG 70 or 75) or the AMS salary structure.
The Princess Máxima Center
The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is an integrated hospital and research institute, which integrates healthcare, research and education on pediatric cancer, in a single location in Utrecht. Our institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.
Are you excited about this position?
You can apply for this position until October 15 by pressing the apply button on this screen. Please submit your CV and cover letter. You are welcome to contact Leendert Looijenga for additional information about this vacancy.
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