How can we better understand why some tumors respond to cancer treatment while others do not? And how can we use patient-derived tumor models to develop more personalized treatment strategies? At the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), the Voest Group at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) studies tumor biology and treatment response with the aim of bringing personalized medicine closer to patients. Our research combines genomics, tumor organoids and immune-based models to investigate how individual tumors respond to therapy and how cancer cells interact with the immune system.

To support this research, we are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Research Technician to join our multidisciplinary and international team. In this role, you will play an important part in ongoing research projects and work closely with PhD students, postdocs and other members of the group.

Are you an experienced technician with a strong interest in cancer research and hands-on experience with organoids? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative research environment, taking ownership of your experiments and contributing to research that could make a difference for patients? Then we would love to hear from you!

What will you do?

As a Research Technician in the Voest Group, you will support several research projects focused on tumor biology, precision medicine and cancer immunology. A significant part of your work will involve culturing and maintaining patient-derived tumor organoids and using these models in functional experiments. Your activities will include:

• Culturing and maintaining patient-derived tumor organoids

• Processing and handling patient-derived tissue samples and tissue fragments

• Performing molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, transfection, lentiviral work and cloning

• Performing flow cytometry experiments and assisting with data collection and analysis

• Supporting experiments investigating interactions between tumor cells and immune cells

• Working closely with researchers to plan, perform and optimize experiments

• Contributing to the organization and maintenance of the laboratory, including ordering reagents and maintaining laboratory stocks

• Training and supporting colleagues in techniques and protocols when appropriate

You will have the opportunity to work on different projects and to further develop your technical expertise in a dynamic research environment.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

Science is at the heart of everything we do at the NKI. But breakthroughs don't happen through science alone; they happen through people – curious minds, bold thinkers, people who challenge assumptions and turn complex questions into meaningful discoveries. Around 600 scientists, together with 150 scientific and 150 administrative professionals, work here across the full spectrum of cancer research, from fundamental science to clinical innovation. With roughly 55 nationalities represented, we form a vibrant international community where English is our shared language and every voice carries equal weight. Our institute sits just 15 minutes by bike from the heart of Amsterdam.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and is comfortable working independently as well as as part of a team. You have:

• A Bachelor’s, HLO, Master’s or equivalent degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related field

• Hands-on experience with cell culture and, in particular, tumor organoid culture

• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, transfection, lentiviral work and cloning (must)

• Preferably experience with handling and processing patient-derived tissue samples

• Preferably experience with flow cytometry

• Good organizational skills and attention to detail

• The ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team player

• Good communication skills and a good command of spoken and written English

• Experience with one or more of the following techniques would be an advantage: CRISPR base editing, Microscopy and other imaging techniques, Immune assays (e.g. ELISA or cytokine bead arrays), and Tumor–immune cell co-culture models.

Previous experience working as a research technician is an advantage. We are particularly interested in candidates who already have experience with organoid culture and who can contribute to the lab with their existing technical expertise.

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 possibility of 1 year extension;

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.228,- and € 4.346,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with FWG 45 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 at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association.

Interested?

We are curious about your talent! Would you like to contribute to research that aims to better understand individual tumors and ultimately improve personalized cancer treatment? Please submit your application, including a cover letter, CV, list of references. You can only upload two files to the submission system so make sure to include your reference information with your CV or letter. Incomplete applications and applications by email will not be considered.

For questions about the application process, please contact Gwen de Jong at [email protected], PA of Emile Voest. For questions about the position, please contact Joyce Catsman at [email protected], technician Voest group.

This vacancy is open for applications Sunday, October 18.