Join a cutting-edge cross-border research initiative in translational pancreatic oncology, bridging two leading university medical centers: the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and the University Medicine Oldenburg (UMO). Our cross-border HBP Cancer Lab focuses on fundamental and translational research in pancreatic cancer, combining liquid biopsy technologies, stromal biology, and tumor immunology.
UMCG and UMO are both leading university medical centers in their respective countries, forming a unique cross-border partnership between the Netherlands and Germany. Together, they provide access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure including single-cell omics platforms, imaging, and biobanking facilities, as well as complementary scientific expertise spanning liquid biopsy technologies, stromal biology, and tumor immunology in pancreatic cancer.
The position is based primarily at UMCG in Groningen, with regular presence in Oldenburg — flexibility and enthusiasm for cross-border work are essential.
This is a unique opportunity to pursue a Double Doctorate (Double Degree PhD) awarded jointly by the University of Groningen and the University of Oldenburg, providing outstanding scientific training across two internationally recognized institutions. The position is part of the strategic partnership between the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg and the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, supported in part by a major initiative funded with €22.5 million from Niedersachsen’s Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) and the Volkswagen Foundation for the project “A Programme for Excellence. Developing Strengths and Building Potential through Interdisciplinary and International Networking”.
Project background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers, characterized not only by aggressive tumor cells but also by a complex tumor microenvironment comprising cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Current liquid biopsy approaches focus almost exclusively on tumor-intrinsic markers, leaving the stromal and immune compartments largely unexplored as biomarker sources.
This project aims to develop and validate a novel liquid biopsy biomarker panel that integrates circulating tumor cells, stromal, and immune components to enable personalized diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in PDAC patients. The work spans the full translational pipeline — from developing and optimizing cell enrichment and molecular profiling workflows, through single-cell characterization of circulating tumor-associated cell populations, to the integration and clinical validation of a biomarker panel in well-annotated patient cohorts from both UMCG and UMO.
The project builds on an established collaboration between UMCG (Prof. Bansal, Dr. Nijkamp, Dr. Hoogwater) and UMO (Prof. Bockhorn, PD Dr. Meyer), including shared patient cohorts, a joint PDAC database, and existing data and material transfer agreements
Tasks
- Development and optimization of workflows for the isolation and characterization of rare circulating cell populations from blood samples of PDAC patients
- Performing single-cell molecular analyses including transcriptomics and targeted proteomics
- Bioinformatic data integration and development of predictive biomarker models
- Clinical validation of findings using patient cohorts from both institutions
- Regular scientific exchange and collaborative work with the partner lab in Oldenburg
- Presentation of results at national and international conferences
- Contributing to publications and grant applications
Requirements
Required qualifications:
- Master of Science in molecular biology, oncology, biomedical sciences, or a related field
- Strong background in cell biology and/or translational cancer research
- Hands-on experience in laboratory techniques (cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, or similar)
- Good command of English (written and spoken)
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with liquid biopsy technologies (circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, extracellular vesicles)
- Familiarity with single-cell omics methods (scRNA-seq, proteomics)
- Basic bioinformatics skills (R, Python, or similar)
- Experience working with patient-derived clinical samples
- Proficiency in both German and Dutch is a plus
- Interest in translational and clinical research
- Enthusiasm for cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration
Benefits
We offer
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position within a dynamic, international cross-border research environment
- The unique opportunity to obtain a Double Doctorate from the University of Groningen and the University of Oldenburg
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at both UMCG and UMO, including single-cell omics platforms, biobanking facilities, and clinical sample collections
- Supervision by an experienced, interdisciplinary team across both institutions (Prof. Bansal, Prof. Bockhorn, Dr. Meyer, Dr. Nijkamp, Dr. Hoogwater)
- Training in liquid biopsy technologies, single-cell biology, and translational oncology within a clinically embedded research environment
- Exposure to national and European grant processes (WEAVE, NWO, DAAD, Interreg, ERA4Health)
- Payment in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, and 30 days annual leave
- A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile work
- Access to extensive further education and early career researcher support programmes at both UMCG and UMO
Our standards
The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.
Further information
Paygrade
Salary Grade P for 2 years in Groningen
TV-L E13 (100%) for 2 years in Oldenburg
Institution
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
University Medicine Oldenburg (UMO)
Location
Groningen, The Netherlands (HomeBase)
Oldenburg, Germany (regular presence required)
Limited
Employment for 4 years for one’s own academic qualification, the first two years based on a work contract with the University of Groningen, the last two years based on a work contract with the University of Oldenburg