The project
Endoglin is a co-receptor for Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), which is highly expressed on endothelial cells and has a crucial role in angiogenesis. In addition it is expressed by other cells in the tumor microenvironment, where it might have a role in regulating invasion and migration of these cells. In this project we want to investigate the role of endoglin in regulating the metastatic spread of tumors (colon, breast and pancreatic cancer). It will involve multiple approaches, including the analysis of human patient material, in vitro cell culture experiments and advanced in vivo cancer mouse models. The project will involve (primary) cell culture, immunological techniques (IHC, western blot, ELISA), genetic manipulation of protein expression (overexpression/knockdown) as well as spontaneous and orthotopic transplantation mouse tumor models. The project is sponsored by the Bas Mulder Award 2011/KWF-Alp d’HuZes Fund and will be performed in collaboration with several other research groups in the Netherlands and abroad.
The department
The laboratory, headed by Professor Peter ten Dijke, is focused on the role of TGF-b in regulating angiogenesis, bone homeostasis and stem cells in relation to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Our lab is part of the Top research school Centre for Biomedical Genetics (http://www.biomedicalgenetics.nl/). All state of the art equipment for molecular cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and zebrafish/mouse transgenic facility are available.
Funding by the KWF-Alp d’HuZes Fund is available for four years, starting in 2011.
Your profile
You hold a Masters degree in biopharmaceutical/biomedical sciences or comparable. We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic and possesses creative skills to solve biomedical research questions. He/she is a team player with a flexible work approach and good communication skills (both oral and written, also in English). The project involves work with mouse models, therefore art. 9 or the willingness to obtain it is required. The ideal candidate has experience with above described experimental techniques, but this is not required.
We offer
You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. The appointment is for four years. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, with a maximum of € 2107,- gross per month to € 2700,- in the final year, based on a full time position (OIO-scale of the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).
More information
If you have any questions, or if you want more information about this position, please contact Mr. Dr L.J.A.C. Hawinkels, junior group leader, telephone +31 (0)71 526 9272. Or by e-mail: L.J.A.C.Hawinkels@LUMC.nl