MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Position: β-catenin inhibition in models of colorectal cancer initiation and development Princess Maxima Center in Netherlands

MSCA Doctoral Network PhD position at the Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht, Netherlands.

This PhD project is titled β-catenin inhibition in models of colorectal cancer initiation and development and sits within a European MSCA Doctoral Network funded by Horizon Europe (grant agreement 101311592). The project focuses on testing novel β-catenin inhibitors in models of cancer initiation and progression, with an emphasis on understanding efficacy, selectivity, and translational potential in Wnt-driven cancers.

The research combines in vitro and in vivo approaches. The successful candidate will work with mammalian cell lines, organoids, and/or epithelioid co-cultures derived from normal and cancerous mouse and human epithelial tissues. The project also includes lineage tracing, mouse tumour models, spatial imaging, and genomic as well as single-cell transcriptomic profiling. These experiments aim to identify which cancers or cancer subtypes respond best to β-catenin inhibition and to develop a molecular signature that can help stratify patients by likely response.

The work is embedded in a larger consortium and forms the functional testing arm (WP7), evaluating compounds designed and synthesised in earlier work packages. The project is carried out in close collaboration with clinical partners, giving access to patient material and a clear translational context. Cancer cell lines and mouse models are already available in the lab.

Eligibility and profile: applicants should have, or soon complete, a relevant science Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cell biology, oncology, biochemistry, or a related field. The ideal applicant has practical experience with mammalian cell and organoid culture and basic molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, and Western blotting. Experience in cancer biology or stem cell biology is preferred, and experience with mouse work, confocal or fluorescence microscopy, lineage tracing, or single-cell methods is a strong plus. Excellent English communication skills are required, and the candidate should be comfortable working independently and in an international, multidisciplinary team.

Funding and conditions: the position is fully funded through the MSCA Doctoral Network. The advertised gross monthly salary is €3,813–€4,148 for a 36-hour work week. The appointment is temporary and full-time, with a planned start date of 1 January 2027.

Supervision and secondment: planned secondment to ULX for three months, supervised by Prof. Daniel Abankwa, with doctoral enrolment at UUT under Prof. Dr. Leendert Looijenga.

Application deadline: 31 October 2026.

How to apply: submit your application through the recruitment website listed in the advert. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, and final selection follows MSCA open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment principles.