Assistant Professor in Immune-Tumor Cell Communication

Job description

Faculty:
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department:
Department Biomolecular Health Sciences

Assistant Professor in Immune-Tumor Cell Communication

The Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, & Cancer (CMC) is seeking an ambitious and collaborative cell biologist to establish an innovative, independent research line at the interface of intercellular communication and cancer immunology, and to contribute to teaching in cell biology. We are particularly interested in a researcher who will build strong interdisciplinary collaborations with clinical researchers and partners across Utrecht Science Park, and is keen to translate fundamental discoveries into biomedical impact.

The research of CMC aims to unravel mechanisms of intra- and extracellular communication of animal cells. This knowledge is used to prevent or to develop better treatments for non-communicable diseases such as cancer in veterinary and human patients. You will be embedded within the Cell Biology research group, which has an excellent track record in cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication.

As an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator you will develop and lead an independent innovative research line focused on communication between tumor cells and immune cells, that complements and strengthens CMC’s scientific portfolio while fostering collaboration across veterinary and human clinical research groups. You will secure research funding, build and maintain strategic collaborations with academic, clinical and industrial partners, and supervise PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff.

You will contribute to Cell Biology teaching within the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences curricula. You should hold a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or be willing to obtain this qualification during the first two years of appointment. Teaching tasks include lecturing, supervising practical courses, supervision of BSc and MSc students, as well as participation in course development. Teaching responsibilities will account for approximately 0.3 FTE, with the highest involvement during periods when courses are scheduled.

Since most teaching is in Dutch, candidates not yet proficient in Dutch are expected to be willing to learn the language (support for this can be provided).

• A completed PhD in cancer immunology or extracellular vesicle (EV) biology, with experience in developing advanced in vitro cellular model systems;
• At least four years of relevant postdoctoral research experience, preferably including international research experience;
• A strong scientific track record, evidenced by scientific publications and successful acquisition of research grants;
• Experience in supervising master students, PhD candidates, technicians and/or postdocs;
• A vision for developing an independent research line that complements the current activities of the division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, and Cancer.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary academic and translational research environments

• a job for 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a go/no-go decision at month 15. The evaluation criteria for permanent employment will be discussed and agreed upon at the start of the appointment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4.925 and €6.682 (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
• In…