We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our team.
Research project
Bone sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma remain among the most challenging pediatric cancers, with limited options for risk-adapted therapy. Current stratification methods are insufficient to accurately predict outcomes, often leading to under- or overtreatment. This PhD project focuses on developing molecular stratification strategies that can improve risk prediction and guide personalized therapy for these patients.
The research combines multiple layers of tumor biology:
- Genomic markers (e.g., mutations, chromosomal alterations, and complex rearrangements) identified through whole-genome sequencing.
- Transcriptomic markers, including expression-based signatures derived from RNA sequencing, to identify novel prognostic models.
- Liquid biopsy approaches using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other blood-based markers, to enable real-time monitoring of minimal residual disease and treatment response.
The PhD candidate will work with extensive sequencing datasets already available at the Princess Máxima Center and expand analyses with samples prospectively collected during the course of the PhD. Close collaboration with international pediatric oncology centers will allow external validation of findings, ensuring clinical relevance and broad applicability. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver robust stratification models that can be implemented in clinical care to improve outcomes for children with bone sarcomas.
Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious PhD candidate with a background in (molecular) biology or biomedical sciences who is eager to learn, has good organizational skills, and enjoys data-driven research. You are creative, think out-of-the-box, and thrive at the interface of laboratory, computation, and clinical translation. You work well in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in (molecular) biology, biomedical sciences, cancer genomics, bioinformatics, or related field
- Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis (WGS, RNA-seq, cfDNA)
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (Python and/or R); statistics skills are a plus)
- Demonstrated research experience (e.g., thesis, internship, publication, or preprint)
- Interest in translational childhood cancer research and clinical implementation
- Enjoy working in and contributing to a multidisciplinary team
Our job offer
A challenging PhD position within a unique pediatric oncology center in the Netherlands and Europe and the opportunity to work across the full scope of translational research, from cohort building to computational modeling and clinical validation. We also offer you a temporary, full-time PhD position for a total duration of 4 years (36 hours/week). You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, after which your performance will be evaluated, and the contract may be extended for the remaining years. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’. Your gross monthly salary will be in FWG 45-6 and will include an 8,33% gross monthly salary holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus.
The Kester Group and collaborators
This project is led by the Kester research group at the Princess Máxima Center, embedded within the diagnostic laboratory and focused on translational innovations that improve diagnostics for pediatric oncology patients. You will collaborate within the Máxima M4C bone sarcoma and with other national and international partners, to enable method development and external validation. The clinical embedding and collaborative network provide a unique setting to translate discoveries into patient benefit.
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.
Apply for this position?
Please apply by pressing the ‘Apply’ button on this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. For more information about the vacancy, you are welcome to contact Dr. Lennart Kester.
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