Wet-lab Postdoc

Wet-lab Postdoc in the Jonkers laboratory: The implementation of functional assays to classify somatic variants of unknown significance in routine clinical diagnostics.

We are recruiting a highly motivated wet-lab postdoc with a strong background in molecular oncology and a keen interest in translational research and improving routine clinical cancer care. You will join the research team of Jos Jonkers that is specialized in functional cancer genomics in BRCA-associated hereditary breast cancer and E-cadherin mutated invasive lobular breast cancer models. Furthermore, you will intensively collaborate with the Molecular Diagnostics laboratory within the Department of Pathology to experience working in a clinical-grade laboratory environment.

The postdoc will play a central role in optimizing and exploiting in vitro functional classification assays to test the oncogenicity of somatic variants of unknown significance in actionable targets and determine their sensitivity to clinically relevant targeted therapeutics. The optimized assays will be implemented under strict medical laboratory standards in the pathology department and a logistic workflow needs to be established to use these assays in routine clinical diagnostics.

In this project, you will work within a multidisciplinary team comprising molecular biologists, laboratory technicians, clinicians, pathologists and clinical scientists. The role requires a critical and innovative mind combined with a structured working approach to further improve and ultimately implement clinical grade functional assays in routine diagnostics to have direct clinical impact for patients.

Your role

You will be responsible for:

• Optimization and validation of functional assays for clinical implementation

• Conducting in vitro assays to systemically test large cohorts of somatic gene variants identified in patients

• Coordinate, implement and translate the research findings into routine diagnostics within a multidisciplinary department

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.

You will play a key role in developing and optimizing functional assays to advance towards clinical implementation. A successful candidate should have:

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Oncology, Biology or a closely related field.

• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays relevant to functional testing of genetic variants, including basic molecular techniques such as plasmid cloning and testing viral preparations.

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

• Creativity, strong drive to improve clinical cancer care and a focused working strategy will be essential for driving this project forward.

• Fluent in English and fluent in Dutch is preferred.

• Prior experience in the oncology field is an advantage.

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 contract for 18 months, based on 36 hours per week. Startdate: preferably June/July 2026;

• A gross monthly salary between € 4.539,- and € 5.395-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with FWG55 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;

• Collaboration with molecular oncology and medical experts;

• 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 apply/solliciteer button; applications by email will not be processed. Please attach your CV, motivation letter (maximum one page) and list of references to the application form. Make sure to include it in one or two documents, as there is no option to submit more than two documents.

The vacancy is open for applications until Thursday, April 30th. We aim to schedule the first interviews for early May.

For further information about the position, please contact Sjors Kas, Clinical Scientist in Molecular Pathology (s.kas@nki.nl / 020 512 1720). For questions about the application procedure, please contact Daphne Heemskerk, Recruitment (d.heemskerk@nki.nl).