Assistant Professor in Immune-Tumor Cell Communication

Assistant Professor in Immune-Tumor Cell Communication

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department: Department Biomolecular Health Sciences

Your job

Assistant Professor in Immune-Tumor Cell Communication

The Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, & Cancer (CMC) is seeking an ambitious and collaborative cell biologist to establish an innovative, independent research line at the interface of intercellular communication and cancer immunology, and to contribute to teaching in cell biology. We are particularly interested in a researcher who will build strong interdisciplinary collaborations with clinical researchers and partners across Utrecht Science Park, and is keen to translate fundamental discoveries into biomedical impact.

The research of CMC aims to unravel mechanisms of intra- and extracellular communication of animal cells. This knowledge is used to prevent or to develop better treatments for non-communicable diseases such as cancer in veterinary and human patients. You will be embedded within the Cell Biology research group, which has an excellent track record in cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication.

As an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator you will develop and lead an independent innovative research line focused on communication between tumor cells and immune cells, that complements and strengthens CMC’s scientific portfolio while fostering collaboration across veterinary and human clinical research groups. You will secure research funding, build and maintain strategic collaborations with academic, clinical and industrial partners, and supervise PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff.

You will contribute to Cell Biology teaching within the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences curricula. You should hold a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or be willing to obtain this qualification during the first two years of appointment. Teaching tasks include lecturing, supervising practical courses, supervision of BSc and MSc students, as well as participation in course development. Teaching responsibilities will account for approximately 0.3 FTE, with the highest involvement during periods when courses are scheduled. Since most teaching is in Dutch, candidates not yet proficient in Dutch are expected to be willing to learn the language (support for this can be provided).

Your qualities

• A completed PhD in cancer immunology or extracellular vesicle (EV) biology, with experience in developing advanced in vitro cellular model systems;
• At least four years of relevant postdoctoral research experience, preferably including international research experience;
• A strong scientific track record, evidenced by scientific publications and successful acquisition of research grants;
• Experience in supervising master students, PhD candidates, technicians and/or postdocs;
• A vision for developing an independent research line that complements the current activities of the division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, and Cancer.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary academic and translational research environments

Our offer

• a job for 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a go/no-go decision at month 15. The evaluation criteria for permanent employment will be discussed and agreed upon at the start of the appointment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4.925 and €6.682 (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 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 set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment.

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.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is organized into three main departments: Biomolecular Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Population Health Sciences. In addition to the Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer (CMC), the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences consists of the Divisions of Pathology and Infectious Diseases & Immunology and hosts the centralized research facilities: Centre for Cell Imaging, Center for Flow Cytometry & FACS, and the Metabolism Expertise Center. Within the department, research is performed on animals, humans and the environment at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. In addition to conducting research, providing education is one of the main tasks of the department.

The Cell Biology group, headed by prof. dr. Marca Wauben, consists of 6 staff members. The research of the section is focused on EV-mediated communication during development, regeneration and immune regulation. Its research spans from fundamental discovery to translational applications, and the development of cutting-edge technology and methodology involving all 3 research core facilities with tailored solutions for EV-research.

For more information about the Cell Biology Research group and CMC

Cell Biology - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Utrecht University

Cell Biology, Metabolism & Cancer - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Utrecht University

More information

For more information, please contact prof. dr. Marca Wauben by email at m.h.m.wauben@uu.nl or by phone on +31 (0)6 39585529.

Please do not send your application letter to this email address

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Nieuw Gildestein, the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page.

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 31 October 2026 and anticipated start date is 1 January 2027

The first round of interviews will take place on November 19, hybrid or fully online interviews are accommodated.