Project Leader, post doc in the cross-border laboratory for translational HPB oncology at the UMCG in Groningen, NL

The School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. Furthermore, the university cooperates closely with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen.

Join a cutting-edge cross-border research initiative in translational HPB oncology, bridging two leading institutions: the University of Oldenburg and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Our lab focuses on patient-derived, fundamental and translational research in liver, pancreas, and bile duct cancers—both in vitro and in vivo.

The University Medicine Oldenburg, formed in partnership with four regional hospitals, and UMCG, a top-tier referral center for HPB malignancies, offer an exceptional academic and clinical environment. The lab is embedded in UMCG’s Multidisciplinary Oncology Laboratory (MOL), which unites research in Medical, Gynecologic, and Hematologic Oncology and provides access to state-of-the-art technologies and platforms.

You'll also collaborate with the Cross-border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI)—a joint initiative designed to drive innovation in healthcare research between Germany and the Netherlands.

The position is based primarily at UMCG in Groningen, with regular presence in Oldenburg—flexibility and enthusiasm for working across borders are essential.

This is a unique opportunity to shape your own research direction, lead impactful projects, and work within an international, interdisciplinary team at the forefront of HPB cancer research.

Research with close links to the research priorities of the working group

• Supervision and Mentorship
• Project Management and Coordination
• Scientific Communication and Publications
• Networking and Collaboration
• Proposal Writing and Grant Acquisition
• Collaboration in teaching (4 LVS)

Required qualifications:

• Master of Science in oncology or a related field
• PhD degree in the field of oncology or a related field
• Extensive background knowledge in (Immuno-)Oncology with track record
• Hands on experience in lab techniques (Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Cell culture, etc.)

Preferred qualifications:

• Experienced in working with rodents
• Experience in 3D cell culture of patient derived tumor cells
• Experience in grant acquisition
• Programming Skills (R, Python etc.)

• A high-impact role in a cross-border translational oncology lab, embedded in an international research network across Germany and the Netherlands
• The opportunity to lead your own research agenda within the framework of hepatobiliary and pancreatic oncology, with access to unique patient-derived models and in vivo platforms
• A collaborative, resource-rich environment with strong clinical ties and advanced infrastructure at UMCG and Oldenburg
• Support for scientific independence, including internal funding opportunities, mentoring for grant acquisition (e.g., DFG, ERC, NWO)
• option to pursue Habilitation and academic advancement
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• Support and guidance during your onboarding phase
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of pro-rata mobile work
• Benefits from the university's health promotion programme
• An extensive and free further education programme

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.

The division for General and Visceral Surgery is headed by Prof. Maximilian Bockhorn. Frederik Hoogwater and Maarten Nijkamp lead the HBP oncology laboratory at the UMCG.

There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification (post-doctoral thesis: Habilitation).

Please note that you will work primarily in Groningen, NL.