PhD Student - Endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student for a project on endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is a key component in the treatment of early estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Nevertheless, therapy resistance is an important problem, with approximately 20% of patients experiencing a disease recurrence in the first 10 years after diagnosis. PI3K and MAPK pathway activation is one of the mechanisms behind endocrine therapy resistance. In this project you will contribute to the development of a test – intended for daily clinical practice - that can identify patients who do not benefit from endocrine therapy and explore which alternative treatment strategies could work for this group of patients. In this role, you will coordinate the collection of clinical data and tumor tissues for a new cohort of breast cancer patients and conduct the bioinformatics and statistical analyses for this project under supervision of an experienced bioinformatician.

You will be part of the lab of Sabine Linn, which aims to find the optimal treatment for each breast cancer patient. We run investigator-initiated clinical trials and apply state-of-the-art molecular techniques and data analyses to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers that can reduce overtreatment and allow for precision medicine.

You will be employed for a period of at least four years, with a possibility for extension. For a PhD student the gross salary per month is € 3.195,- to a maximum of € 3.879,- according to the standard PhD scales. According to the new CAO, this salary will increase with 5% starting 1-12-2023, and another 5% will be added starting 1-6-2023. The salary depends on previous experience. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Hospitals (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).

How to apply? Please submit your application via our website, applications sent directly to e-mail will not be processed.

Applications should include your resume, a cover letter, and the contact information of at least two references. The deadline for applications is 9 June. Interviews will be scheduled for mid-June, 2023.

The NKI values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that stimulates the best in each individual. Applications of all individuals are welcomed regardless of age, ancestry, religion, disability, distance from the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.

For further information about the position please contact Dr. Florentine Hilbers ([email protected]) or prof. dr. Sabine Linn ([email protected]).