T-RAFIC – Tracking and controlling therapeutic immune cells in cancer

T-RAFIC – Tracking and controlling therapeutic immune cells in cancer

About the project

T-RAFIC is a scientific network comprising 13 academic and four industrial partners from nine European countries. Its mission is to train the next generation of experts in the field of cell therapies of cancer.

A structured training program will bring together all DC for scientific meetings, skill development workshops, career events, and international conferences. Additionally, the DC will undertake several secondments at different institutions within the network to gain specialized knowledge and acquire essential methodologies for their research projects.

Cancer immunotherapies have been established in a growing number of clinical indications and the pace of development is massively accelerating. Currently, over 6,000 clinical trials are investigating immune-related treatments in oncology, especially in combinations. It includes both adoptive cellular therapies and immune-modulating treatments such as immune checkpoint blockade. In contrast, the understanding of how such therapies mediate their mode of action is still mostly poorly understood. In particular, the role of distribution and relocation of immune cells after therapeutic interventions remains unknown. T-RAFIC will enhance understanding of immune cell trafficking under therapeutic influence. It will open new paths and avenues to treatments, boost their efficacy, and help prioritize the plethora of immune therapeutic combinations. T-RAFIC joins forces of 13 academic and four industrial partners from nine European countries to conduct an innovative and interdisciplinary approach combining cell imaging with bioinformatics, cell engineering, and clinician expertise. The network bundles recognized expertise in cancer immunotherapies, empowering European research and innovation and ensuring a sustainable cooperation in science and training.

About the role

We seek excellent scientists seeking to obtain a doctorate, holding a Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences or related disciplines (such as medicine or pharmacy); practical skills in modern laboratory work (preferentially combined with experience in animal experiments) are required.

Profile

Doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible. You cannot have spent more than 12 months within the past 36 months in the country where the position you are applying for is located (mobility rule, in our case The Netherlands); you must be proficient in the English language both written and spoken (proof required).

Our offer

Cutting edge research projects and training with leading experts in the field of cell therapy; employment contract for three years with the benefits of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie program with the possibility of earning a doctoral degree (PhD).

About the workplace

Research within the Labs of Medical Oncology and Hematology is performed in a stimulating environment and at an international high competitive level. You will be part of a highly motivated team of (pre-) clinical researchers. The focus of research is on cancer immunotherapy.

Let's meet

Please note that we will only evaluate fully completed application forms that are submitted via the application portal of T-RAFIC before the deadline of 30.04.2025.

The two-stage application procedure will be carried out in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Recruitment and the Charter for Researchers.

• The first stage consists of sending your documents and filling out the required information within the external application portal of T-RAFIC, by April 30, 2025. Please note that we will only evaluate fully completed application forms that are submitted via the application portal of T-RAFIC before the deadline.
• Second stage: Selected candidates from the first stage will be invited for an interview, possibly remotely, with the supervisor of the position for which the candidates have applied. Application or travel costs cannot be reimbursed.

Criteria of selection

1. First stage of selection:

a. Eligibility check carried out by T-RAFIC management team:

• The candidates have not been awarded a doctoral and wish to obtain a doctorate. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• The candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment.
• Only candidates that fully meet criteria of eligibility will be assessed by the supervisors.

b. Assessment of the application forms by the Project Leaders and their team supervising the position which has been selected as first choice by the candidates:

• Quality of education (degrees and transcript)
• Education matching to the skills required
• Quality of research experience
• Research experience matching to required skills
• Quality of language skills
• Quality of references
• General evaluation of profile based on motivations and personal skills
• Experience of Mobility (geographical, sectoral, virtual)

The Project Leaders of T-RAFIC will have the opportunity to assess candidates who have selected their projects as second or third choice. This will depend on the primary outcome of evaluation.

2. Second stage of selection:

• Quality of the presentation
• General evaluation of profile depending on motivations and personal skills
• References

More information about T-RAFIC can be found here: www.itn-trafic.eu.