Postdoc Telomere Biology, DNA Repair and Genome Stability

Are you an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a passion for molecular biology and cancer research? Would you like to explore how DNA secondary structures impact genome stability and how targeting them may create new opportunities for cancer treatment? The research group of Jacqueline Jacobs at the Division of Oncogenomics is looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an exciting research project funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). In this project, you will investigate the role of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures in telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and genome stability. You will contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of telomere biology, DNA damage responses, and cancer biology, with the potential to uncover novel therapeutic opportunities.

We aim for the project to start in the first months of 2027.

About the project

The research group of Jacqueline Jacobs investigates the molecular mechanisms that safeguard telomeres and maintain genome stability, with a particular focus on DNA replication, DNA repair, and DNA damage responses. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical DNA secondary structures that are highly enriched at telomeres and are increasingly recognised as potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Despite their growing importance, their precise roles in telomere maintenance and genome stability remain poorly understood.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will investigate how G4 DNA structures influence telomere protection, DNA repair pathway choice, and the development of genome instability. Using a combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches, advanced microscopy, long-read telomere sequencing, and transcriptomic analyses, you will study these processes in both normal and cancer cells. This project will provide fundamental insight into the interplay between DNA secondary structures, telomere biology, and genome maintenance. Ultimately, the findings may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancers characterised by telomere dysfunction or defective DNA repair.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

Science is at the heart of everything we do at the NKI. But breakthroughs don't happen through science alone; they happen through people – curious minds, bold thinkers, people who challenge assumptions and turn complex questions into meaningful discoveries. Around 600 scientists, together with 150 scientific and 150 administrative professionals, work here across the full spectrum of cancer research, from fundamental science to clinical innovation. With roughly 55 nationalities represented, we form a vibrant international community where English is our shared language and every voice carries equal weight. Moreover, an active Postdoctoral Association organizes scientific, career development, networking and social events throughout the year, while institute-wide training programs support both professional and personal development.

Our institute sits just 15 minutes by bike from the heart of Amsterdam.

We are searching for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher with the following expertise and experience:

• You earned a PhD degree in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, biomedical sciences or a related field (within the last 4 years);

• You have strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including microscopy and quantitative image analysis;

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: telomere biology, DNA damage responses, DNA repair, DNA replication, chromatin biology, genome instability, or cancer biology;

• Experience with genomic technologies, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and/or bioinformatics is considered an advantage but not a substitute for experimental expertise;

• You have demonstrated the ability to publish your research as first author in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;

• You have experience in hypothesis-driven fundamental research focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms in cell biology, cancer biology, or related fields;

• You are ambitious, creative, precise, enthusiastic, and scientifically curious;

• You are highly self-motivated, an independent thinker, and an excellent experimental scientist;

• You can work independently as well as collaboratively within an international research environment;

• You possess strong communication skills and are fluent in English.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

The basis for your employment conditions is in accordance with the CLA Hospitals. You will receive from us:

• A two years contract for 36 hours per week, with the prospect of an extension of maximally 2 years;

• A gross monthly salary between € 4,629,- and € 5,503,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the postdoc scale of FWG 55 and depending on your experience and status of PhD finalization;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

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

• Opportunity to exercise at our Fit Boutiqs and access to a discounted membership at a nearby fitness centre;

• An active staff association.

Interested?

We are curious about your talent! Will you be the one to make a difference in the world of cancer care and research? Apply now by using the application (‘solliciteer’) button! Please attach your motivation letter (maximum one page), CV and contact details of two references to the application form. Make sure to include your reference information together with your application documents, as there is no option to submit them separately.

This vacancy is open for applications until the 29th of november. We expect to conduct interviews during the first two weeks of December. Please note that the selection process will commence before the application deadline, so early applications are encouraged.

Important: please respond to this vacancy only via the application button and not through email. Applications sent directly by e-mail will not be processed.