PhD Position in Molecular Oncology: Early Response Prediction and Recurrence Detection Using Blood from Patients with Resectable Melanoma

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in biomedical sciences and a keen interest in translational research and molecular oncology. The candidate will join the research group of Daan van den Broek at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. Our research focuses on the application and clinical impact of liquid biomarkers across different tumor types and clinical settings. In addition, we actively work on the implementation of innovative molecular diagnostics, ensuring that new technologies become accessible and integrated into routine clinical care.

This project aims to study and optimize personalized surveillance using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with stage III melanoma following curative treatment. After surgical resection, surveillance currently relies heavily on clinical assessments and radiological imaging, although only approximately 30% of patients develop disease recurrence. This intensive radiological follow-up imposes a substantial burden on patients and the healthcare system and, given the rising incidence of melanoma, is likely to become unsustainable.

In this project, you will work within a multidisciplinary team comprising laboratory diagnosticians, molecular biologists, clinicians, and radiologists. You will analyze patient samples, model longitudinal ctDNA dynamics, interpret and evaluate assay performance, and prospectively validate a ctDNA-based surveillance strategy against the current standard of care.

Your role

You will be responsible for:

• Optimization and validation of a melanoma surveillance assay for clinical application

• Conducting molecular analysis of ctDNA data on large cohort of melanoma patients

• Data evaluating and processing, as well as development of multimodal classifiers that integrate multiple data sources

• Designing research studies and preparing manuscripts

• Project management and student supervision

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we have a shared goal: providing the best care for every patient and every type of cancer. Quite a lot, but not impossible. Here, science and health care join forces towards innovation. We keep finding new ways to help people facing cancer on a global scale. Here we save lives, gain time and quality.

As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in developing a novel diagnostic tool to advance molecular surveillance for melanoma toward clinical implementation. A successful candidate should have:

• A master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Oncology, Biology or similar;

• Experience with laboratory research;

• A solid understanding of molecular biology;

• Fundamental knowledge on oncology: you will receive training in working within a clinical-grade laboratory environment and in molecular oncology principles, with a strong focus on ctDNA testing. This includes droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS) using combined mutation and methylation markers, and advanced data analysis and bioinformatic modeling;

• Ambition, motivation, and creativity will be essential for driving this project forward;

• Fluent in English.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

The basis for your employment conditions is in accordance with the CLA Hospitals. You will receive from us:

• A contract for four years, based on 36 hours per week. Startdate: preferably May 2026;

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.738,- and € 4.539,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the OIO/PhD scale and depending on your experience;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of € 0,23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

• Participation in the Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam (OOA);

• PhD supervision by molecular and clinical oncology experts;

• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active PhD council and YoungAVL: associations that organize sporting, cultural, and creative activities and events;

Interested?

We are curious about your talent! Will you be the one to make a difference in the world of cancer care and research? Apply now by using the apply/solliciteer button; applications by email will not be processed. Please attach your motivation letter, CV and contact details of two references to the application form. Make sure to include your reference information together with your application documents, as there is no option to submit them separately.

This vacancy is open for applications until Sunday, March 22. We aim to schedule the first interviews for late March/early April.

For further information about the position, please contact Paul van der Leest, Postdoctoral Fellow (p.vd.leest@nki.nl / 020 512 9109).

For questions about the application procedure, please contact Daphne Heemskerk, Recruitment (d.heemskerk@nki.nl).