Postdoc tumor immunology

Postdoc position to develop cancer treatments with gene-engineered T cells in the Oncode Accelerator project, funded by the Dutch Growth Fund. Work with preclinical 2D- and 3D tumor models and in vivo xenograft models.

Dit ga je doen

We offer a position for a postdoc in tumor immunology at the Center for Translational Immunology within the UMC Utrecht (1.0 FTE). The position is for a period of one year with the aim to extend the position in case of good performance.

The project is part of Dutch national collaboration funded by the Dutch government via the Growth fund initiative and aims to support preclinical cancer research for the faster translation of novel treatment strategies into early phase clinical trials. Your role will be to investigate novel immunotherapy strategies using genetically engineered immune cells in various preclinical models such as 2D, 3D tumor models as well as conducting in vivo experiments using xenograft-based immunotherapy mouse models that are partially established in the group.

As a potential candidate you have an outstanding track record, preferably international experience and fluent in English. You will carry out research within the group of Dr. Zsolt Sebestyen specialized on preclinical tumor models for cellular immunotherapy and part of Kuball laboratories. As a member of a multidisciplinary team you are expected to be able to communicate with researchers from other fields and be able to build up and organize a research network.

Hier ga je werken

The position is embedded within the UMC Utrecht at the Center for Translational Immunology. The project focuses on the development and preclinical testing of novel immune interventions against cancer using immune cells and their receptors. The work will be carried out within the group of Dr. Zsolt Sebestyen which is embedded in the Kuball Laboratories. A unique research pipeline from fundamental to translational and clinical research has been established.

Dit neem je mee

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative team player who knows what it takes to do world-class, interdisciplinary research and who enjoys carrying out research and taking initiative. Someone with excellent communication skills, an eye for the work to be done and who goes for it.

• You are a highly motivated tumor immunologist with strong preclinical translational background with a completed PhD in the field of Immunology or similar fields.
• Experience with animal work (Article 9) is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with isolating, culturing and studying primary human immune cells and translating this knowledge into pre-clinically applicable protocols is a plus.
• Experience with gene editing technologies is a plus.
• You work independently, proactively and have a high sense of responsibility.
• You are flexible and have good analytical and organizational skills.
• You can communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.
• You work well in a team. You can appreciate feedback from others, and you are able to take the lead in specific activities.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3493 and € 5504 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• A contract for a year, with the prospect of extension.
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao). 
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution. 
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.