Post Doc position in pathogenesis of sarcomas

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department: Department Clinical Sciences Hours per week: 32 to 40 Application deadline: 6 April 2026

Sarcomas comprise a diverse group of rare mesenchymal tumors that generally respond poorly to current systemic therapies. The translation of preclinical discoveries into clinical practice has been slow, resulting in limited progress in improving patient outcomes and underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of sarcoma biology to enable the development of more effective, subtype-specific treatments. Robust preclinical models are essential for this purpose; however, the advancement of 3D in vitro sarcoma models has lagged behind that of epithelial cancers.

Your job

This delay is largely attributable to the rarity and heterogeneity of sarcomas, as well as the limited knowledge of optimal growth conditions for these in vitro models. The goal of the postdoctoral project is to adopt a comparative, One Medicine approach involving both dogs and humans, and to develop and characterize new, fit-for-purpose, 3D in vitro models for studying sarcomas across species. The research will focus specifically on osteosarcoma in both canine and human patients.

The following methods will be (potentially) used:

• (micro)RNA analysis (qRT-PCR, (single cell) RNA sequencing)
• Protein analysis (Western blot, phospho-kinase arrays, flow cytometry,
• Mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence staining, Co-IP)
• Chromatin immunoprecipitation (followed by qPCR and sequencing)
• Epigenetic analysis (DNA methylation arrays, histone modification analysis)
• 2D / 3D culture and manipulation of human and animal (tumor) cell lines
• Tumor tissue analysis (ex vivo culture)

Your responsibilities will include :

• Planning and conducting molecular biology experiments on cancer stem cells, embryonal carcinoma and human yolk sac tumor development, developing in vitro models relevant to cancer related diseases.
• We expect that you will be involved in the teaching program of the Clinical Sciences Department.
• Conception of new research projects and development of research proposals with new approach technologies (NAMs) as central topic
• Project management in collaboration with third-party funding administrations
• Writing and supervision of international scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Supervision of a highly skilled technician already present in the group
• Presentations at scientific congresses nationally and international

Your qualities

• You have completed your PhD in a field with strong affinity with in vitro tumor models
• You can work well independently, have new ideas, you are critical but able to connect with other disciplines and larger projects.you have excellent communication skills;
• You have a positive (working) attitude and good social skills;
• You are energetic, enthusiastic and motivated for the job and you are a team player, in general positive and also willing to take active part in creating a good safe and inclusive atmosphere in the research group.
• You have a good command of English, both orally and in writing

Our offer

• We offer you a varied job and an exciting working environment, in a team where cooperation and a good atmosphere are paramount.
• a position for one year, with the possibility of prolongation.
• a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.546,0 and €5.538,- in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development , various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities . You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

Clinical Sciences

At the Department of Clinical Sciences , you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD candidates. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

Anatomy & Physiology (A&F) is part of the Department of Clinical Sciences within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The focus lies on veterinary education and research in the fields of anatomy, (patho-)physiology, embryology, and stem cells.

Our research and teaching activities are inspired by the principles of the transition to animal-free innovation( ?url=www.uu.nl%2Fen%2Fresearch%2Flife-sciences%2Fcommunities%2Ftp.%26h&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.uu.nl%2Fen%2Fresearch%2Flife-sciences%2Fcommunities%2Ftp.%26h&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.uu.nl/en/research/­life-sciences/­communities/tp.&h p o i n t;. ). We aim to improve science (education and research) while reducing the use of laboratory animals.

The Centre of Excellence for Plastination and Virtual Reality at Anatomy & Physiology, in collaboration with UMC Utrecht, focuses on innovations in animal-free education

A&F is part of a wide interdisciplinary program for better science (education and research) with fewer animal experiment and directly linked to Ombion Centre for Animal-free Biomedical translation. The Netherlands is poised to take a global leadership position in animal-free biomedical innovation. Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion), formerly known as CPBT, is being established as a national hub where scientific excellence, valorisation, education and innovation come together. Ombion accelerates the transition to human-relevant, animal-free biomedical development by demonstrating its feasibility and enabling broad implementation. This strengthens human health and safety, speeds up and improves biomedical innovation, stimulates new economic activity, and reduces animal suffering in the Netherlands and beyond.

Read more at:

• Ombion Centre for animal-free biomedical translation ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsite.ombion-cpbt.nl&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsite.ombion-cpbt.nl&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://site.ombion-cpbt.nl
• May 2020 - Interview Daniela Salvatori: In 5 years’ time we will speak of humanised science
• November 2020 - Interview Vetscience: Lifelong learning
• February 2021 - Interview AD (Dutch newspaper): Zijn dierproeven straks verleden tijd?
• February 2021 - Opinion DUB (in Dutch): Geef meer ruimte aan proefdiervrije innovatie
• September 2022: ?url=www.uu.nl%2Fnieuws%2Fwetenschappers-pleiten-voor-beter.%26h&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.uu.nl%2Fnieuws%2Fwetenschappers-pleiten-voor-beter.%26h&module=jobs&id=3219947" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.uu.nl/nieuws/­wetenschappers-pleiten-­voor-beter.&h p o i n t;.

More information

For more information, please Prof Daniela Salvatori (d.salvatoriuu.nl )
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ’apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 6 April 2026.