We are seeking a highly enthusiastic and ambitious PhD candidate who is interested in unraveling the potential causes of the survival differences between children and young adults with acute myeloid leukemia, and for exploring the long-term effects of treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.
What to expect?
The project will be composed of two main research questions. The first research question will be aimed at investigating the potential causes of the survival difference between children and young adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Netherlands. Knowledge on the contributing factors for the survival gap has the potential to be translated into age-adapted care strategies, which are specifically tailored to their unique cancer biology and needs.
The second research question will focus on the follow-up of patients who were diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the Netherlands at childhood or young adult age and who have been treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for a prolonged time. Currently, little is known about the long-term risks and adverse health effects associated with this prolonged TKI exposure.
This project is a collaboration between the research groups Karim-Kos and Zwaan, Prof. Marc Raaijmakers, Erasmus MC Medical University Rotterdam, Dr. Jeroen Janssen, Radboudumc Nijmegen, and HOVON – the Haemato Oncology Foundation for Adults in the Netherlands.
Within the project, you will perform epidemiological research from collecting data from medical records to analyzing and interpreting the data. You will disseminate the findings by writing scientific publications and presenting results at congresses. During the project you will collaborate with other research groups, clinical experts and epidemiologists in the field of pediatric and adult hemato-oncology. The project will result in writing and defence of a PhD thesis.
Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated team player to strengthen our research groups, who is passionate about epidemiological research on pediatric and young adult leukemia. You have a Master’s degree in Medicine, scientific expertise, affinity with epidemiological methods and research, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English. You will collaborate with other research groups, clinical experts and epidemiologists, and demonstrate good interpersonal and organizational skills.
Other meritorious competences are experience with statistical software SAS, Stata and/or R. Familiarity with various statistical techniques, e.g., survival analyses, is preferred.
Our job offer
We offer you a position based on 32-36 hours a week. You will initially be contracted for the period of one year, after which the contract may be extended. Your gross monthly salary will start in FWG 45-6 with a salary of €3.195,- gross a month for a fulltime working week (36 hours). You also receive 8,33% holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao ziekenhuizen’.
Work environment
The research group “Childhood Cancer Epidemiology and Outcomes” led by Dr. Henrike Karim-Kos focusses on analyzing childhood cancer statistics. By looking at these statistics, we aim to expand our knowledge about the incidence of childhood cancer, its spread in the population, possible causes, and prognosis. Together, these are known as cancer surveillance. Secondly, we focus on unraveling the causes behind differences in outcomes between children and young adults diagnosed with the same cancer type to improve quality of care and outcomes in both patient groups, and to stimulate collaborations between pediatric and young adult cancer care units.
Prof. Michel Zwaan is group leader of the research group “Early drug development” with the main aim of searching new medicines to increase survival rates and lowering toxicity. A special focus of our group is to improve treatment of AML and CML patients by performing high quality (pre-)clinical research and early clinical trial programs.
The Princess Máxima Center
The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research, and education of pediatric cancer in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and improve quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.
Contact
Are you our new colleague? We are looking forward to meeting you! You can apply directly by clicking on the orange button on this page. We would like to receive a letter of motivation, detailed CV, BSc and MSc grade list, and name and contact details of 2 references. Do you have any questions or would you like more information about this position? Please contact Dr. Henrike Karim-Kos (group leader) or Maya Schulpen (post doc). Henrike and Maya will be happy to tell you more!
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