Doctoral scholarship holder dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

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Departement: Moleculaire Beeldvorming, Pathologie, Radiotherapie, Oncologie
Regime Voltijds

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The Center for Oncological Research (CORE) from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of immuno-oncology, with a focus on Dendritic Cell (DC)-based immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The objective of this project is to decipher PDAC patients’ immunological responsiveness to DC-based immunotherapy by performing in-depth immunomonitoring to understand the potential molecular and immune mechanisms underlining the effect of the vaccine within the unique context of a first-in-human phase I clinical trial. The outcome of this project paves the way to optimize and implement DC-based immunotherapy in the context of hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer as it is important to further explore the place of this treatment modality in a rationally designed multi-modal treatment strategy, targeted at overcoming the immunosuppressive nature of PDAC.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching support tasks in the module ‘Oncology’ (Master of Medicine) and the module ‘Molecular Oncology’ in (Master of Biomedical Sciences).

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in in one of the following disciplines: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bio-engineering or Pharmaceutical Sciences
• You can demonstrate a strong background in cancer biology and immunology
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Proficiency in English, and strong communication skills, both oral and written, are required.
• You are highly motivated, and you like to work in an interactive and dynamic research team.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal after positive evaluation
• The planned start date is 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the University Center for Clinical Research Antwerp (UNICCRA) of the Antwerp University Hospital and at the Center for Oncological Research (CORE) of the University of Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working environment and in close collaboration with the Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH) and Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG) at the University of Antwerp.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 26 June 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • a detailed academic CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …)
  • contact info of two references
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. dr. Timon Vandamme ([email protected]) or dr. Jonas Van Audenaerde ([email protected])

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.