Clinical OIO/Physician-Researcher Mucinous Ovarian Carcinoma

Are you a physician-researcher with the ambition to make a difference for patients with rare forms of cancer? Do you want to work at the intersection of innovative clinical trials, precision oncology, and translational research? Then we offer you a unique PhD position within a new research program focused on mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC), a rare form of ovarian cancer for which there is an urgent need for new treatment options. Based on promising preclinical results, we are starting a prospective phase II study in which a new targeted treatment strategy is being investigated. Will you become part of our team?

As a physician-researcher, you will be co-responsible for the execution of an innovative investigator-initiated phase II study in patients with advanced or recurrent mucinous ovarian carcinoma. In this study, we are investigating the combination of the panRAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib and the FAK inhibitor defactinib, based on new insights into resistance mechanisms in this type of tumor.
Your activities have a clinical and translational character and include, among others:

• Supervising and following up on patients participating in the study;

• Coordinating study visits;

• Analyzing and interpreting clinical outcomes, including response, progression-free survival, quality of life, and toxicity;

• Contributing to the design, execution, and reporting of clinical scientific research;

• Presenting research results at national and international congresses;

• Writing scientific publications and a doctoral thesis;

• Close collaboration with research nurses, trial coordinators, clinical pharmacologists, gynecological oncologists, pathologists, and translational researchers.

In addition to the clinical study, you will contribute to a translational research program in which longitudinal blood, tumor, and ascites samples are collected to investigate biomarkers of response and resistance. This will provide you with insight into the full trajectory of drug development: from biological mechanism to application in the patient.

Additionally, you will be involved in patient interviews investigating experiences with participation in clinical trials and dealing with uncertainty surrounding experimental treatments.

The project is part of the MOC-STAR program (Mucinous Ovarian Carcinoma - Synergistic Targeted Avutometinib/Defactinib Regimen), which centers on a unique combination of clinical research and translational science. Thanks to the close collaboration between laboratory researchers and clinicians, new scientific insights are directly translated into treatments for patients with rare tumors.

You will be part of an enthusiastic multidisciplinary team of physicians, researchers, research nurses, and trial supporters. There is plenty of room for individual initiative, scientific development, and international collaboration. Your PhD trajectory will be supervised, among others, by: Prof. dr. Christianne Lok, Dr. Frans Opdam, and Dr. Tim Schutte. Additionally, you will follow courses via the Oncology Research School Amsterdam (OOA) and complete the trajectory with a PhD at a Dutch university.

At the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, we all commit to the same goal: the best care for every patient and every type of cancer. That is no small feat. But not impossible. Here, science and care work together on innovation. Time and again, we find new ways that help people with cancer worldwide. Here we save lives, we win time and quality.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious physician with a strong interest in oncology and clinical scientific research.

• Graduated as a physician;

• Interested in oncology, clinical trials, and drug development;

• Independent, analytical, and scientifically curious;

• Enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary team;

• Strong communicators in both Dutch and English;

• Organizationally skilled and able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience with scientific research or clinical trials is a plus, but not a requirement.

We offer an inspiring academic working environment with ample opportunities for professional and scientific development. The basis of your employment conditions is in accordance with the Cao Ziekenhuizen (Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). You can expect from us:

• A 4-year contract for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between €4,346 and €4,914, based on a 36-hour work week, appropriate to the clinical OIO scale and depending on your experience

• 144 vacation hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Stage Budget, based on full-time employment;

• An annual 8.33% holiday allowance and a fixed year-end bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of € 0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, but with our bicycle scheme and discounts on public transport, we also make it attractive for you to leave the car behind;

• A great opportunity in a specialized hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncological expertise, skills, and personal development;

• Opportunities to exercise at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association and Young AVL: associations that organize sporting, cultural, and creative activities and events;

• An employer contribution of 50% towards your pension at Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn and collective discounts with health insurers IZZ, Zorg en Zekerheid, and Zilveren Kruis.

Are you ready to contribute to the development of a new treatment for patients with a rare form of ovarian cancer? Apply quickly via the application button!

This vacancy is open until Monday, October 26th.
For more information about the position, you can contact Dr. Frans Opdam, internist-oncologist & clinical pharmacologist, via 020 – 512 2446 or via f.opdam@nki.nl. Or with Dr. Tim Schutte, internist-oncologist & clinical pharmacologist via 020 – 512 2446 or via t.schutte@nki.nl.
For questions about the application procedure, you can contact Pascal van Kippersluis, Recruiter, via p.v.kippersluis@nki.nl.

A reference check is part of the application procedure. Candidates with whom we enter into a conversation will be asked to provide references.

Recruitment agencies are not appreciated in response to this vacancy.