Postdoc - Telomere and Genome Maintenance

The research group of Jacqueline Jacobs at the division of Oncogenomics aims to identify new factors and molecular mechanisms that are critical in telomere and genome maintenance through appropriate DNA damage responses, DNA replication, and DNA repair.

In this project we seek to achieve an increased mechanistic understanding of telomere maintenance in pediatric cancers, in particular via alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Recent discoveries indicate that ALT is activated by defective DNA replication fork dynamics, which result in DNA breaks and increased recombination at telomeres. Given that ALT has a major impact on the survival of a considerable portion of pediatric cancers, and is not used by normal non-cancerous cells, it represents an attractive target for cancer treatment.

However, the lack of comprehensive mechanistic understanding of ALT hampers therapeutic progress related to ALT. Therefore, in this multidisciplinary project, funded by the Children Cancer Free Foundation KIKA, we aim to increase understanding of the factors and molecular mechanisms that control ALT. For this we will follow-up on recent unpublished findings from our lab, that implicate new factors in the regulation of ALT. In addition, we will investigate how ALT regulation by these factors can be exploited in treatment of ALT-positive pediatric cancers.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), science and health care join forces towards innovation. The NKI is a dynamic institute where over 750 scientists and scientific support staff members conduct cutting-edge research in order to improve the prospects of cancer patients – from fundamental research to clinical applications, and everything in between. This is facilitated by the research institute (NKI) being under one roof with the cancer-specialized Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (AVL) hospital and by close collaborations between NKI researchers and the medical specialists at our hospital. With the support of state-of-the-art research facilities, our scientists can maximize the efficiency of their research.

Inspiring work discussions, lectures and seminars, and a large number of non-Dutch post-docs, students and staff members contribute to a stimulating and international atmosphere. The NKI offers and exciting research environment that motivates everyone to do impactful research and can be described as very open, collaborative, and vibrant with room for constructive criticism. The NKI has an active postdoc association and has developed a training program for postdocs to support their professional and personal development and to promote informal interactions between postdocs.

We are searching for a postdoctoral investigator with the following expertise and experience:

• A PhD degree in basic research in the field of molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, medical biology or a related field;

• Significant experience in mammalian cell culture, microscopy and general cell biology and molecular biology skills;

• Ideally you have experience with molecular biology and cell biology techniques in the fields of telomere maintenance (in particular ALT), DNA replication (e.g. DNA fiber technology) or DNA repair;

• Demonstrated experience with publishing research as first author in well-respected peer-reviewed journals.

• Ambitious, creative, precise, energetic and curious;

• Highly self-motivated, capable of independent thinking and a good experimentalist;

• Can work independently as well as in collaboration with others in an international team;

• Good social skills and a problem-solving attitude;

• Very good verbal and written communication skills (fluent in English).

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 temporary contract for a period of 2 years, for 36 hours per week, with the possibility of extension;

• A gross monthly salary between € 4.723,- and € 5.289,- based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the postdoc scale (FWG 55) and depending on your experience and status of PhD finalization;

• 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?

Will you be the one to make a difference in the world of cancer research? Apply now by using the application (solliciteer or apply) button at the top of the page! Please attach your CV, a cover letter describing your education, research experience and interest, and the contact details of two references. Make sure that your reference information is attached to your letter or CV, as there is no option to submit them separately.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Jacqueline J.L. Jacobs (j.jacobs@nki.nl).

This vacancy is open for applications until November 1th 2025.

Applications send directly by e-mail will not be processed.