PhD student Molecular Pathology (targeting pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in invasive lobular breast cancer)

The research group of Dr. Julia Houthuijzen is dedicated to investigating the biology of stromal cells in the breast tumor microenvironment. We aim to understand the origin, heterogeneity and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on tumor development, progression and therapy resistance. 

Your main project will focus on:
1)    In vivo lineage tracing of CAF precursors in breast cancer mouse models.
2)    In vivo targeting of pro-tumorigenic processes in CAFs and assess their effects on tumor development and therapy response.
3)    Single cell transcriptomics of human lobular breast cancer specimens to further investigate CAF-tumor cell crosstalk.

The research will take place within the group of Prof. Jos Jonkers at the department of Molecular Pathology. The Jonkers lab has expertise in modelling human breast cancer in genetically and somatically engineered mice and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models.

Responsibilities
You will collaborate with members of the group of Jos Jonkers and other collaborators inside the institute and abroad. The position involves experimental animal handling and surgeries, intervention studies in mice and wet lab skills like flow cytometry, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry and single cell transcriptomics.