PhD candidate, Zebrafish cancer models leading the way towards therapy development

PhD candidate, Zebrafish cancer models leading the way towards therapy development

The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

PhD candidate, Zebrafish cancer models leading the way towards therapy development.

Key responsibilities

This project offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms of endocrine cancers using cutting-edge zebrafish models. These cancers are highly heterogeneous, poorly understood, and often lack curative personalized treatment options. There is an urgent need for a robust high-throughput screening model and deeper pathomechanistic insights to drive new treatments and prevention strategies. Zebrafish provide a powerful system for cancer research due to their genetic similarity to humans and transparent embryos, enabling real-time imaging of tumor development and its microenvironment. Join us in uncovering the fundamental biology of these diseases and contributing to transformative advancements in cancer therapy.

• Generate and critically analyze the data in order to contribute to scientific publications and present findings at scientific meetings;
• Work in a highly international research group with fellows from many countries;
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of MSc and/or BSc students;
• Write and submit a PhD thesis within four years of starting the project.

Selection Criteria

• MSc degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences or Molecular Life Sciences or a related field;
• Experience with molecular and cell biology;
• Experience with in vivo modeling using zebrafish is considered a plus;
• Experience with microscopy and/or bio-informatics is considered a plus;
• Certification for Animal Experimentation (Dutch Article 9 or equivalent) or willingness to obtain this during the PhD
• Structured working style;
• A strong motivation, flexibility, and willingness to learn;
• Critical scientific attitude and be able to work both independently as well as in a group;
• Excellent communication skills; oral and in writing.

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute for Biology

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.