ILLUMINE Dark Proteome Cancer Grand Challenge Postdoc

We are looking for an ambitious, collaborative, and self-motivated wet-lab postdoc to join the rapidly expanding research field of the “Dark Proteome”. Our research focuses on identifying, characterizing, and utilizing cancer-specific protein products arising from mRNA mis-translation and non-coding regions for cancer therapy. The project is part of ILLUMINE, a large consortium recently approved for funding by the Cancer Grand Challenges. For more information, please visit https://www.cancergrandchallenges.org/illumine.
The project, therefore, offers excellent academic training alongside unique opportunities to closely collaborate with leading laboratories in genomics, proteomics, immunology, and technology development worldwide. You will be a key contributor to a collaborative, team-driven project within the Agami group at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

The successful candidate will experimentally identify, characterize, assess, and validate dark protein expression and function to influence cell states and neighboring cells, and to modulate anti-tumor immune responses. While this role has a strong in vitro focus, computational and in vivo experience will be highly valued. You will be expected to develop novel technologies to detect dark proteins and assess their utility in improving tumor control. In addition to contributing to a collaborative, team-driven research programme, the successful candidate will have ample opportunities to pursue independent scientific ideas aligned with the broader research goals. The role requires an innovative and critical mind to define key biological questions and design robust experimental strategies to address them.

In short, you will:

• Lead the development of in vitro model systems that will allow the detection of dark proteins and to assess their impact on cellular functions.

• Translate your findings to cancer therapies.

• Collaborate closely with an multidiciplinary international team of pioneers in the “Dark Proteome” field.

Why this Postdoc?

• Cutting-edge “Dark Proteome” science: Be part of a fast-growing dark proteome initiative aimed at illuminating strategies to improve outcomes of difficult-to-treat cancer types.

• Innovative experimental platforms: Develop and apply state-of-the-art in vitro detection models to unravel how dark proteins modulate cancer phenotypes and influence anti-tumor immunity.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Join a highly collaborative environment linking molecular biologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, technology developers, animal modelers, and clinicians to tackle complex biological questions from multiple angles.

• High-visibility research output: Support to publish in leading journals and present at major international conferences.

• Career development and training: Structured mentorship, grant-writing support, leadership training, and opportunities to supervise students and technicians. Opportunity to participate in the future leader’s conference hosted by Cancer Grand Challenge

• Independence and project ownership: Space to develop your own research ideas within the broader program and build an independent scientific profile.

• Worldwide exposure: The ILLUMINE team offers access to pioneer scientists and their research groups.

• Well supported: the Netherlands Cancer Institute offers an inspiring scientific environment, strong core facilities, and a vibrant international community in the heart of Amsterdam.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we have a shared goal: providing the best care for every patient and every type of cancer. Quite a lot, but not impossible. Here, science and health care join forces towards innovation. We keep finding new ways to help people facing cancer on a global scale. Here we save lives, gain time and quality.

• Hands‑on experience with innovative detection methods for non-canonical proteins and strong experience with mRNA translation in cancer.

• A strong scientific curiosity about how the dark proteome shapes immune responses and cancer therapy outcomes.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

• Prior experience in the dark proteome and non-coding fields is an advantage.

• Experience with in vivo models and animal experimentation is an advantage.

• Prior experience with anti-tumor immunity and/or immune regulation is a strong plus.

• Computational and bioinformatics experience (e.g., proteomics and genetic screening data analyses, R/Python) is a strong plus.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

The basis for your employment conditions is in accordance with the CLA Hospitals. You will receive from us:

• A year's contract for 36 hours per week, with the prospect of an extension of 3 years. Our preferred start date is 1st of May.

• A gross monthly salary between €4539,- and €5395,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with FWG 55 and depending on your experience;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

• A great opportunity in a specialised hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow yourself if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncology professional knowledge, skills and personal development;

• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association.

Interested?

We are curious about your talent! Will you be the one to make a difference in the world of cancer care and research? Apply now by using the application (‘solliciteer’) button! Please attach your motivation letter (maximum one page), CV and contact details of two references to the application form. Make sure to include your reference information together with your application documents, as there is no option to submit them separately.

This vacancy is open for applications until the 1st of April.

For further information about the position, please contact Reuven Agami, Groupleader, via r.agami@nki.nl.

For questions about the application procedure, please contact Pascal van Kippersluis, Recruiter, via p.v.kippersluis@nki.nl.

Please respond to this vacancy only via the application button and not through email.