Wetenschappelijk Onderzoeker Geneeskunde Specialist vacatures in Utrecht

Research Technician Immunotherapy in pediatric solid tumors

The Wienke Group is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated research technician.

The Institute

The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht is the national research hospital concentrating healthcare, research, and education for pediatric cancer. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer with an optimal quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe. Recently, immunotherapy has become an important strategic focus within the center, with an in-house (CAR-T) cell therapy facility currently under construction and planned to open this year.

The Wienke group

Our group specializes in translational research in pediatric solid tumors, currently primarily focusing on neuroblastoma. Children with neuroblastoma have a poor prognosis with overall survival of less than 50% in high stage disease and new therapeutic interventions are direly needed. We combine immunological insights from multi-omics of patient tumor samples and patient-derived tumor organoids, with high-throughput drug screening and cellular immunotherapy engineering methods to develop new therapeutic interventions with potential for clinical translation.

Our team specifically focuses on unraveling the complex interplay of immune cells and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment of neuroblastoma patients, and how it affects T cell function. We use state-of-the-art techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, LC-MS, imaging mass cytometry, multiplex immunofluorescence and spectral flow cytometry. Moreover, we work on innovating various cellular immunotherapies (TCR-T cells, CAR-T cells, TIL therapy) tailored to pediatric patients with solid tumors. For validation of promising interventions in vitro, we apply various co-culture systems with 3D tumoroids and immune cells. For drug screens we closely collaborate with our center's high-throughput drug screening facility. In the near future we also plan to take first steps towards patient care by validating our most promising interventions in vivo in mouse models.

The position

We are looking for a highly motivated, flexible, and enthusiastic research technician with expertise in (cancer) immunology research, ideally also with in vivo work, to join the Wienke group. The position will be focused on cellular immunotherapy development and possibly also in vivo validation of promising immunological and molecular interventions. The in vitro work will encompass the development and support of new techniques for our team and validation of new interventions in complex and/or high-throughput in vitro assays, including CAR-T cell development. Common techniques that you will use are (tumor and immune) cell culture, flow cytometry, co-culture/killing assays (e.g. Incucyte readout), cloning, virus production, T cell/tumor cells transductions, and live cell imaging. You will also perform the data analysis and interpretation of your own experiments and experimental planning for follow-up. Furthermore, you will collaborate in various research projects within the Wienke group. The in vivo work will be focused on validating promising immunological and molecular interventions in immunocompromised, and possibly humanized, mouse models. This work will largely involve cellular immunotherapies including CAR-T cells and TILs. You will be involved in planning and experimental design of the experiments, as well as performing the experiments themselves.

Education and skills

For this vacancy we are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated candidate with an HBO or MSc degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, life sciences or related disciplines. This position will likely encompass both in vitro and in vivo work, so previous experience with both - or at least motivation for both - will be greatly appreciated. A background in (tumor) immunology and experience with flow cytometry and cell culture is required. Experience with in vivo work, including article 9/13f.2, is preferred. This vacancy also requires command of both oral and written English, excellent communication, strong motivation, attention to detail and organization skills as well as the ability to work within a dynamic group.

Our job offer

A temporary, full time position (36 hours per week) in a very stimulating and interactive research environment. The contract will be initially for one year, with the intention to extend to three or four years. Your gross monthly salary (FWG 45) will be based on your experience and background and will include 8,33% holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labour agreement 'CAO ziekenhuizen'.

How to apply

You can apply for this position until the 24 th of December 2025 by pressing the orange apply button on this screen. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the vacancy may be closed once we have received sufficient applications. Please note that due to the Christmas break, we may take longer than usual to get in contact afterwards.