Key Skills

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join the Artegiani & Hendriks group at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. You will lead the development and study of relevant human in vitro models of astroblastoma, a newly recognized pediatric brain tumor type. Working in a highly collaborative environment together with the Kool group in the Máxima, you will uncover the developmental origins, molecular mechanisms and sex-specific biology of astroblastoma, providing a roadmap also for future therapeutic strategies. The research project Astroblastoma is a rare pediatric brain tumor for which no standard treatment currently exists. Recent work from the Kool group identified three molecular subtypes characterized by distinct fusion genes, anatomical locations, clinical behavior and a remarkable female predominance in one subtype (PMID: 41429568). However, the mechanisms underlying tumor initiation, cellular origin and sex bias remain unknown. As a postdoctoral researcher working on this collaborative project, you will generate novel in vitro human models of astroblastoma, and use these for functional experiments, to understand the developmental cell(s)-of-origin and uncover mechanisms underlying the striking sex differences observed in these tumors. These models will also be extensively molecularly characterized in collaboration with the postdoctoral researcher in the Kool group, guiding functional validation studies. The project is embedded within a large international network on rare pediatric brain tumors and includes collaborations with leading experts in pediatric neuro-oncology, developmental neuroscience, genomics and bioinformatics across Europe. You will work closely with clinicians, computational biologists, molecular pathologists and organoid researchers at the Princess Máxima Center. Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated and independent scientist who is excited to address fundamental questions in pediatric brain tumor biology. Together with the second postdoctoral researcher you will spearhead this project. You Should Have PhD in molecular, stem cell, or cancer biology related disciplines. Demonstrated wet lab experience in advanced cell culture models, such as organoids, and related techniques. Previous experience with pediatric (brain) tumors, developmental neuroscience, or cancer epigenomics is advantageous. A degree of bioinformatic skills is a pro. A strong intrinsic motivation for scientific research. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently develop biological hypotheses from complex datasets. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and excellent data management practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. The ability to work independently while thriving in a multidisciplinary and international research environment. Our job offer We offer a full-time Postdoc position (36 hours / 5 days a week) in our group. You will work closely together with the Postdoc in the Kool group, as well as collaborate with various other research groups in the Princess Máxima Center and abroad. You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, with a possible extension. Your gross monthly salary will depend on your experience and background and is based on scale 60 of the Collective Labor Agreement “Algemene Ziekenhuizen”. You will also receive 8.33% holiday allowance and an 8.33% end-of-year bonus. About Our Group Our research group, headed by Dr. Benedetta Artegiani and Dr. Hendriks, focuses on the advancement of human organoid technology to study development, cancer, and the intersection between these processes, focusing on two main organs: the brain and liver. We generated the first-of-a-kind human fetal brain organoid models (PMID: 38194967) and use these, in conjunction with other state-of-the-art in vitro models, to address developmental and (pediatric) cancer questions. To this end, we complement the organoid models with various techniques, including CRISPR-engineering, live imaging, tracing, -omic analyses, and other emerging tools. Within this project, our group collaborates closely with the Kool group, headed by Prof. Marcel Kool and Dr. Jens Bunt, who pioneer the molecular characterization of pediatric brain tumor entities. Together, the two groups combine complementary expertise in pediatric neuro-oncology, developmental neuroscience, cancer genomics and human disease modelling. The Princess Máxima Center The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research, and education of pediatric cancer in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and improve quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.

Core Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development of human in vitro models for astroblastoma to investigate tumor origins and sex-specific biology. They will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to perform functional experiments and molecular characterization to guide therapeutic strategies.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD in molecular, stem cell, or cancer biology and possess demonstrated wet lab experience with advanced cell culture models. Strong analytical skills, independent research capability, and excellent English communication skills are required.

Benefits

• Holiday allowance
• End-of-year bonus