Improvements in outcome for children with cancer that both increase survival and reduce late effects of treatment may be realized by the introduction of novel (targeted) drugs or ATMPs with different modes of action than the existing therapy modalities, such as chemotherapy. In order to further strengthen our capacity for clinical innovation and to expand our early clinical trial portfolio, the Máxima is searching for 3 clinical group leaders for drug development in Hematology-oncology, Solid Tumors and Neuro-oncology.
Through partnerships across Europe and beyond, the Máxima Center is able to study a wide range of innovative therapies, mostly in the role of ‘sponsor’ (the legally responsible party). Our collaborations with organizations such as ITCC, SIOPe, COG, Pedal, NANT, and PNOC distinguish us as a leading sponsor of international pediatric oncology clinical trials within Europe. We have also successfully initiated several trans-Atlantic studies and recently expanded into Japan. We enroll over 50 children annually in early-phase clinical trials. With the support of our International Office and the soon-to-open Cellular Therapy Facility (CTF), we expect to further increase this number. Next to that in collaboration with the preclinical research institute, our aim is to manufacture targeted cellular therapy products; translating research discoveries into innovative clinical trials.
To stress the importance of drug and ATMP development we have created positions for group leaders who are committed to further advancing the field, and to further develop Maxima’s center capacity to run such studies, both from the site as well as the international sponsor perspective.
The positions will be embedded in the Trial and Data Center, led by Prof. Dr. Michel Zwaan and Dr. Harm van Tinteren, as well as within the clinical departments at the Máxima Center. Specifically, with the Hematology-Oncology department, led by Prof. Dr. Josef Vormoor, the Solid Tumors department, led by Prof. Dr. Max van Noesel, and the Neuro-Oncology department, led by Prof. Dr. Eelco Hoving. Prof. Dr. Michel Zwaan will be responsible for the functional transfer of knowledge related to the group leadership in drug development, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of expertise, and Prof. Dr. Leendert Looijenga will oversee the academic career development.
Position
In this position, you will be responsible for designing and leading innovative international early phase intervention clinical trials, bridging the gap between pre-clinical and clinical research. You are or will develop yourself as a Key Opinion Leader in your area of expertise, have or develop significant expertise in clinical trial conduct and GCP, and will strive to obtain an academic position in the Netherlands.
As a group leader drug development:

• You will play a pivotal role in designing and attracting a portfolio of groundbreaking clinical trials at your unit, with a focus on the development of drugs and cellular products;
• You will secure significant funding from various sources to realize the portfolio;
• You will lead the phase 1-2 site team at your unit, including physicians, research nurses/coordinators, and local datamanagement, in close collaboration with the TDC site manager;
• You will coordinate the implementation of translational research, and work closely with the Clinical Directors and Máxima Comprehensive Childhood Cancer Center (M4C) groups to facilitate informed decisions and help to set priorities for the clinical trial portfolio of your department;
• You will be involved in patient care of the unit, including patients enrolled in early clinical trials; and therefore you need to have or be willing obtain a registration as a pediatric oncologist in the Netherlands;
• Your leadership and expertise will enhance the quality of study conduct and adherence to GCP at your unit;
• You will be training Ph D and other students, and develop an academic career in the Netherlands (including requirements such as for example the necessary teaching qualifications);
• You will contribute to strategic decision-making and the advancement of the TDC (as a representative on the TDC management team), as well as contribute to the infrastructure of the TDC both on the sponsor as well as the site teams.

You will receive at least 50% protected time to focus on this position, with the remaining time allocated to clinical activities within the unit, including recruitment of patients in early phase clinical trials. The distribution of your time will be flexible and determined in consultation with you to ensure it aligns with both your professional goals and the needs of the clinical unit.
Qualifications
We are seeking a visionary, motivated and experienced clinical researcher to contribute to this endeavor.

• Board Eligible/Certified in Pediatric-Oncology with one of the aforementioned disease areas as special interest and main focus;
• Proven scientific achievements, evidenced by a Ph D and recent (international) peer-reviewed publications;
• Experienced international coordinating principal investigator (of early phase studies);
• Internationally recognized (potential) key opinion leader (KOL) in early phase trials;
• Evidence of successfully obtained research funding;
• Leadership/management experience (pre) and position in national (and international) medical committees/consortia (must);
• Strong ability to integrate pre-clinical research into clinical trials;
• Purpose-driven commercial interest with (the ability to develop) negotiation skills;
• Involvement in projects as co-promotor, opposition member, supervision of students; teaching qualifications
• Dedication to mentoring and educating the next generation of researchers.

Professionals earlier in their career are invited to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
In accordance with the collective labour agreement cao AMS (Employment conditions Medical Specialist).
Are you excited about this position?
You can apply for this position until the 1st of November by pressing the apply button on this screen. Please submit your CV and cover letter. You are welcome to contact Prof. Dr. Michel Zwaan (Head of Trial and Data Center) for additional information about this vacancy. The potential selection interview will take place on Wednesday, 13th of November, between 12:00 and 18:00.
Acquisitie naar aanleiding van deze vacature wordt niet op prijs gesteld.