Erasmus MC is offering a 3-years position for a talented and motivated Post-Doc with special interest in biomedical engineering, microphysiological systems (Organ-on-Chip) and life cell imaging, to develop a (prostate) cancer metastatic liver invasion assay. This project is a collaboration with InSphero AG, Switzerland.
(Deadline Dec 1st 2020)
Job description
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer type in men. Advanced prostate cancer is dominated by preferential metastatic spread towards bone, lymph node, and visceral organs, including liver and lung. Despite the fact that current therapies are applied in the metastatic setting, virtually all new drugs and treatments are being tested in preclinical “primary” tumor models. To aid drug development, it is highly relevant to apply compound testing in models that reflect clinically relevant metastatic sites.
In this project, we aim to replace current models including animal systems, by building a humanised 3D culture system that allows to study metastatic invasion of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) into different human healthy micro-tissues. For this, we will use an in vitro multi-tissue 3D organoid microfluidic system developed by InSphero, Schlieren, Switzerland, to mimic the circulation of prostate cancer CTCs and their contact with co-cultured target tissues”. We will use bright-field and confocal microscopy approaches to follow tumour cell invasion and colonisation. This project will combine the technological development and optimisation of the system with proof-of-concept studies to test functionality.
The overall goal is to deliver a bioassay for metastatic invasion of prostate cancer cells into human liver and bone that can be applied in compound screens and drug testing with potential for transferability to other cancer types with metastatic phenotype, such as bladder and breast cancer.
Work environment
The Department of Experimental Urology is a multi-disciplinary group of (molecular) cell biologists and clinicians, dedicated to perform highly innovative experimental research in the field of urological cancers, predominantly prostate and bladder cancer. We focus on translational research with pillars in modelling, regulatory mechanisms of therapy resistance, metastasis, biomarker discovery, molecular imaging as well as compound screening and drug testing. This project is part of the research pillar on “modelling of prostate cancer” that is dedicated to replace current animal models by innovative experimental systems. The project is a combined effort with our Swiss partner InSphero and regular visits are essential to assure optimal exchange of technology and expertise.
Qualifications and skills
• You have a PhD in Bio(medical) Engineering, Biotechnology, Cell-/Tissue Engineering, or related studies.
• You have a solid background in biology and sufficient in technology knowledge
• You have experience with organ-on-chip culture systems, microfluidic systems. Experience with confocal microscopy approaches is preferred.
• You are an excellent experimentalist with ample hands-on expertise and proficient with advanced cell culture and microfluidic process techniques.
• You are creative, pro-active with good analytical skills and a sound academic attitude.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking.
• You are a team-player and able to work in a collaborative environment with PhD students/researchers and supporting staff.
• You are flexible for short stays at the facilities of our Swiss partner.
Terms of employment
The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 4.361,- (scale 10), depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).
Information and application
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Wytske M. van Weerden, phone number: +31 (0) 10 704 3674 or e-mail: w.vanweerden@erasmusmc.nl.
