Postdoc: Tumor-Specific NOTCH Cancer Drug Development

Maastricht University; Maastricht; Hybrid; EUR 44,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Maastricht University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher – Preclinical Cancer Drug Development to establish therapeutic potential in in vivo cancer models, focusing on NOTCH pathway and TNBC.

You will design and perform in vivo studies, determine dosing and combination strategies with chemo, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy; analyze tumor responses and tumour microenvironment; collaborate across translational cancer biology for a 3-year DSC-funded project starting 01-01-2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer biology, with a demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications in a relevant research area.
• Strong hands-on experience within vivo cancer models is essential, including experimental design, tumour-response assessment and tissue collection. A valid Article 9 qualification or equivalent is required.
• A strong interest in translational oncology, innovation and preclinical drug development is essential.
• Experience with the tumour immune microenvironment and/or immuno-oncology is preferred.
• Experience with molecular and -omics analysis of tumours is preferred, including transcriptomic, single-cell, spatial or related approaches and their integration with in vivo treatment response.
• Experience with combination treatments, pharmacology/PK-PD or radiotherapy is an advantage; Article 5B or equivalent irradiation certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform and analyse in vivo breast-cancer studies, using immune-competent TNBC models.
• Establish drug dose, schedule and treatment conditions for drug-combination strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Quantify tumour response, tolerability and survival, and relate these to pharmacokinetics, tumour-selective drug activation and target engagement.
• Characterise treatment-induced changes in the tumour microenvironment, including tumour, vascular and immune responses, using molecular, histological and imaging approaches.
• Identify and validate pharmacodynamic and response biomarkers to support patient stratification and clinical translation.
• Communicate results through project meetings, scientific presentations and high-quality publications and contribute scientifically to subsequent translational studies and funding applications.
• Support some teaching activities related to Oncology

Skills

In vivo cancer models

Education

PhD in cancer biology

Tools

Article 9 qualification

Article 5B irradiation certification

Job description

Maastricht University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher – Preclinical Cancer Drug Development to establish therapeutic potential in in vivo cancer models, focusing on NOTCH pathway and TNBC.

You will design and perform in vivo studies, determine dosing and combination strategies with chemo, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy; analyze tumor responses and tumour microenvironment; collaborate across translational cancer biology for a 3-year DSC-funded project starting 01-01-2027.