Postdoc – Multi-omics and Molecular Characterization of Astroblastoma

mechanisms and sex-specific biology of astroblastoma, providing a roadmap also for future therapeutic strategies.

The research project

Astroblastoma is a rare pediatric brain tumor for which no standard treatment currently exists. Recent work from our group identified three molecular subtypes characterized by distinct fusion genes, anatomical locations, clinical behavior and a remarkable female predominance in one subtype (PMID: 41429568). However, the mechanisms underlying tumor initiation, cellular origin and sex bias remain unknown.

As a postdoctoral researcher working on this collaborative project, you will perform comprehensive molecular characterization of astroblastoma tumors and developing human brain tissues. You will integrate bulk and single-cell -omics data to identify the molecular consequences of oncogenic fusion genes, define their developmental cell(s)-of-origin and uncover mechanisms underlying the striking sex differences observed in these tumors.

Your work will combine various -omic techniques, such as Hi-C, long-read whole-genome sequencing, (single-cell) RNA-seq, and (single-cell) ATAC-seq with publicly available developmental and tumor datasets to generate new biological insights. These discoveries will directly guide functional validation studies performed by a second postdoctoral researcher using advanced human brain organoid models in the Artegiani-Hendriks group.

The project is embedded within a large international network on rare pediatric brain tumors and includes collaborations with leading experts in pediatric neuro-oncology, developmental neuroscience, genomics and bioinformatics across Europe. You will work closely with clinicians, computational biologists, molecular pathologists and organoid researchers at the Princess Máxima Center.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent scientist who is excited to address fundamental questions in pediatric brain tumor biology. Together with the second postdoctoral researcher you will spearhead this project.

You should have:

• PhD in (cancer or applied) genomics, molecular biology, (epi)genetics, systems biology or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated wet lab experience; preferably in (single-cell)-omic techniques, for example sn-Multiomics, ATAC-seq, Hi-C or long-read WGS.
• Demonstrated experience with coding and bioinformatic analyses of (single-cell) -omic data is essential. Experience integrating multiple genomic or epigenomic datasets is highly desirable.
• Previous experience with pediatric (brain) tumors, developmental neuroscience, or cancer epigenomics is advantageous.
• A strong intrinsic motivation for scientific research.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently develop biological hypotheses from complex datasets.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and excellent data management practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• The ability to work independently while thriving in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

Our job offer

We offer a full-time Postdoc position (36 hours / 5 days a week) in our group. You will work closely together with the Postdoc in the Artegiani-Hendriks group, as well as collaborate with various other research groups in the Princess Máxima Center and abroad. You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, with a possible extension. Your gross monthly salary will depend on your experience and background and is based on scale 60 of the Collective Labor Agreement “Algemene Ziekenhuizen”. You will also receive 8.33% holiday allowance and an 8.33% end-of-year bonus.

About our group

Our research group, headed by Professor Marcel Kool together with Dr Jens Bunt, studies pediatric brain tumors with the focus on ependymomas, embryonal brain tumors, and some other rare brain tumor types including astroblastoma. Our research integrates molecular biology, genomics, and advanced experimental models to accelerate the development of more effective and less toxic therapies. We are internationally recognized for discovering and molecularly characterizing novel pediatric brain tumor entities and for translating these discoveries into biologically informed therapeutic strategies.

Within this project, our group collaborates closely with the Artegiani-Hendriks group, pioneers in human brain organoid technology (e.g. PMID: 38194967; PMID: 38016960). Together, the two groups combine complementary expertise in pediatric neuro-oncology, developmental neuroscience, cancer genomics and human disease modelling.

The Princess Máxima Center

The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research, and education of pediatric cancer in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and improve quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.

Are you interested in our position?

You can apply directly by clicking application button. We invite you to apply as soon as possible, since we will close this vacancy once we have found a suitable candidate. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

More information

When applying, please ensure that you include the following: 1) an up-to-date resume, 2) a short motivation letter (two-page maximum), 3) contact information of 2-3 references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Do you have questions? Please contact Jens Bunt, he will be happy to tell you more about the position, the project, or the center. Note that applications must be submitted through the portal, so please email only questions. You can reach him at j.bunt-7@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl