University of Maastricht
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Preclinical Cancer Drug Development and Translational Oncology Maastricht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Immunotherapy
Funding
3-year Dutch Cancer Society (Alpe d’Huzes/KWF-funded) project starting 2027-01-01. The position offers a 12-month contract at 1.0 FTE with the prospect of a two-year extension. Gross monthly salary is €3,706 to €5,760 based on 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
Deadline
Nov 1, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Maastricht
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About this position
Postdoctoral Researcher – Preclinical Cancer Drug Development at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
This postdoctoral opening is part of a 3-year Dutch Cancer Society (Alpe d’Huzes/KWF-funded) project focused on developing a new class of tumour-selective small-molecule oncology drugs that are activated in the tumour microenvironment and target the NOTCH stem-cell pathway. The initial disease focus is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with work aimed at establishing efficacy, mechanism of action, tumour-microenvironment responses, and rational combinations with standard-of-care therapies and immunotherapy.
You will join the group of Marc Vooijs in the Radiotherapy department at Maastricht University and Maastro Radiation Institute, working in a multidisciplinary environment spanning basic and translational cancer biology, stem cell biology, tumour metabolomics, vesicle biology, and primary patient tissue culture models.
Research themes and keywords: preclinical cancer drug development, translational oncology, in vivo cancer models, TNBC, tumour microenvironment, immuno-oncology, pharmacology, PK-PD, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, single-cell omics, spatial omics, biomarker discovery, patient stratification.
Main tasks include designing and analysing in vivo breast-cancer studies in immune-competent TNBC models; setting drug dose and schedule for combination strategies; quantifying tumour response, tolerability, survival, pharmacokinetics, tumour-selective activation, and target engagement; characterising tumour, vascular, and immune responses; identifying pharmacodynamic and response biomarkers; presenting results; publishing; and supporting some oncology teaching.
Eligibility highlights: PhD in cancer biology; peer-reviewed publications; strong hands-on experience with in vivo cancer models; valid Article 9 qualification or equivalent; preferred experience with tumour immune microenvironment, immuno-oncology, transcriptomic/single-cell/spatial omics, combination treatments, pharmacology/PK-PD, or radiotherapy; Article 5B or equivalent irradiation certification is preferred.
Funding and terms: 12-month contract at 1.0 FTE with the prospect of a two-year extension; gross monthly salary €3,706–€5,760; 8% holiday allowance; 8.3% year-end bonus; 29 vacation days plus additional leave options and pension/sports benefits.
Deadline: 1 November 2026. Preferred start date: January 2027.
How to apply: Upload your CV, a motivation letter describing your translational oncology/preclinical drug development experience and omics analysis experience, and contact details for 3 references. Apply through AcademicTransfer using the provided application link.
Funding details
3-year Dutch Cancer Society (Alpe d’Huzes/KWF-funded) project starting 2027-01-01. The position offers a 12-month contract at 1.0 FTE with the prospect of a two-year extension. Gross monthly salary is €3,706 to €5,760 based on 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
What's required
PhD in cancer biology with a demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications in a relevant research area. Strong hands-on experience with in vivo cancer models is essential, including experimental design, tumour-response assessment, and tissue collection; a valid Article 9 qualification or equivalent is required. 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.
How to apply
Prepare a CV, a motivation letter focused on translational oncology and/or preclinical drug development, and contact information for 3 references. Apply via the AcademicTransfer application button/link.
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