Computational Postdoc

Computational Postdoc Voest Lab (fully funded) — The Spatial Omics of Immunotherapy Response in Colorectal Cancer

Building the next generation of immunotherapies through spatial biology

We are recruiting a computational postdoctoral fellow to spearhead a cutting-edge computational project, integrating large-scale spatial transcriptomic and proteomic data in the context of leading clinical trials. The aim is to uncover immune–tumor interaction principles that directly inform the development of next-generation immunotherapies in colorectal cancer. The postdoc will be a key driver of a central project within the Voest/van de Haar group at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop original analytical frameworks and build a visible scientific profile at the forefront of spatial immuno-oncology. The position offers access to best-in-class spatial profiling technologies, and close collaboration with experimentalists and clinician-scientists working on leading immunotherapy trials, as well as commercial partners in the drug development field. The role requires an innovative and critical mind to define key biological questions and design the computational strategies to address them.

Why this postdoc?

• Pioneering expertise: Build upon the Voest / van de Haar group’s leading expertise in precision immuno-oncology, large-scale data analysis, and drug development.

• Best-in-class instruments: Develop unique computational pipelines for best-in-class spatial transcriptomics/proteomics instruments and apply them in the context of leading precision medicine trials.

• Translational impact: Projects are embedded in ongoing, data‑rich clinical trials and preclinical programs, where experimentalists, computational scientists and clinicians closely collaborate to make a real impact for patients.

• World‑class ecosystem and mentorship: The NKI offers highly visible research groups and inspiring scientific mentors, strong core facilities and a vibrant international community in the heart of Amsterdam.

You will:

• Spearhead the development of an innovative “spatial lens” to understand in great detail what each immune cell within colorectal cancers is doing, which other (cancer and immune) cells it is talking to, and use this to discover unique targets for next-generation immunotherapies.

• Apply your workflows to tumors from patients treated with immunotherapy, to define the targetable components of an effective immune infiltrate.

• Collaborate with a highly diverse team to bring your findings to patients.

• PhD in computational biology/immunology, bioinformatics, or a closely related field.

• Hands‑on experience with single cell transcriptomics and spatial tumor profiling in the context of cancer immunology.

• Strong drive and inherent excitement to discover novel immunotherapeutic targets with complex computational analyses.

• 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 2 years, for 36 hours per week. Preferred startdate: flexible (ideally soon);

• A gross monthly salary between € 4.539,- and € 5.395,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with FWG55 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;

• Personal mentorship from established PIs and senior scientists; clear milestones and career development plans for a strong and visible scientific profile;

• A great opportunity in a specialised hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow yourself if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncology professional knowledge, skills and personal development;

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

• An active staff association.

Interested?

If you are passionate about joining us to push the boundaries of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer through computation, please submit your application by using the apply/solliciteer button. Please provide a cover letter, list of references, and a CV with publications and presentations, and grades from your bachelor’s and master’s degrees attached (if available). Make sure to include your all the information in one or two files, as there is no option to submit everything separately.

For further information about the position, please contact Joris van de Haar, Senior Postdoc, j.vd.haar@nki.nl.

This vacancy is open for applications until Friday 12 February 2026.