PhD Position: Molecular Biology

Do you want to study the role of protein regulatory networks in the context of cancer? As a PhD Candidate at the Vermeulen Lab, you will develop and apply innovative omics strategies.

Protein–protein interactions and dynamic protein states are important for cellular identity. Aberrations in proteins drive oncogenic signalling and disease progression. The goal of the Oncode Accelerator Growth Fund project is to accelerate the development of new cancer therapies. In this PhD project, you will employ existing proteomic tools and develop new ones to study protein interactions and signalling pathways in primary cancer tissues, organoids and clinical samples. A key aim is to connect molecular mechanisms to tumour biology and identify novel actionable targets for drug development.

You will work extensively with patient-derived FFPE material, which is readily available within our clinical network. You will optimise and implement proteomic workflows tailored for highly limited, heterogeneous samples, enabling in-depth profiling of tumour biology. A major component of your work will be to establish intratumoral heterogeneity maps using spatial proteomic profiling, including the use of laser capture microdissection to isolate defined tumour regions prior to mass spectrometry analysis. Where feasible, you will also explore single-cell proteomics approaches on patient samples to gain additional resolution on cell-state diversity within tumours.

In parallel, you will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher to develop and apply novel proximity-labelling strategies to chart dynamic protein–protein interactions and local proteome environments. These methodological developments will feed directly into large-scale interaction and signalling network analyses across clinically annotated cohorts.

Together, these efforts will generate an unprecedented, high-resolution view of how cancer-specific protein interaction networks are rewired in human disease. The project’s findings are expected to inform new hypotheses on epigenetic control in cancer and contribute to Oncode Accelerator’s translational goals of identifying actionable molecular targets.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

I quickly found my rhythm at Radboud University because of the great support, friendly environment and likeminded people.

Yuxuan Dai PhD Candidate at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging

I decided to pursue my PhD at Radboud University because of positive stories about the research quality and work environment from people I knew. Still, moving to a new country can be quite daunting. My routine was suddenly going to change completely. Having previously moved to London from my home country China, the transition to the Netherlands was not entirely unfamiliar. Yet, the prospect of moving to a non-English-speaking country posed a challenge. I questioned my supervisor multiple times about the necessity of learning Dutch. Fortunately, she assured me that the English level is very high in Nijmegen and the Netherlands. When I came here, Radboud University offered valuable support with the hurdles of finding housing, healthcare, and establishing my life in a new country. For me, the Donders Institute is the ideal place for pursuing an academic path. The friendly and collaborative environment allows me to exchange ideas with researchers from all over the world. Through the university-wide PhD network, I could join fun activities and build my social circle. Coming from big metropolitan cities like Beijing and London, I had to get used to the smaller size and more tranquil ambience of Nijmegen. However, I quickly learned there are still many things to do. The calmer atmosphere also allows me to fully focus on my research during the week. On the weekends, I can easily hop on the train and explore because of the compactness of the Netherlands. I now have found my rhythm at Radboud University, partly because of the great support, internationally friendly work environment, and like-minded people.

Yuxuan Dai PhD Candidate at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging

Does this sound like you?

• You hold a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, cancer biology and molecular mechanisms of gene regulation.
• You have hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular cloning. Prior experience with mass spectrometry-based techniques is an advantage.
• You have a collaborative mindset, analytical thinking skills and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• There may be an opportunity for Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

The Vermeulen Lab specialises in the development and application of state-of-the-art (interaction) proteomics technologies to understand how proteins and protein networks regulate gene expression and cell fate in health and disease. You will join a dynamic and internationally recognised research group that combines various mass spectrometry-based techniques to address fundamental biological questions. As part of the Oncode Accelerator consortium, you will collaborate closely with affiliated groups across the Netherlands, and you will have access to clinical material and expertise in translational cancer research. You will also have ample opportunities to establish connections with various pharmaceutical companies.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Prof. M. Vermeulen (Michiel)
michiel.vermeulen [at] ru.nl