PhD Position in Chemical Biology: Targeted Protein Degradation and Kinase Signaling in Cancer

The research group of Natalie Scholes is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join her team. This group works at the intersection of chemical biology, systems biology, and synthetic biology to study and manipulate cellular signaling networks in cancer. The focus is mainly on kinase signaling pathways and aimed to develop new pharmacological strategies to understand and modify these networks.

A central approach in our work is chemically induced proximity (CIP) - a technique that uses small molecules to bring two proteins together, thereby altering their function. This can result in new types of biological activity, such as targeted protein degradation, catalytic inhibition, activation, or changes in protein localization.

Building on our experience, we are particularly interested in using CIP to degrade proteins, enabling us to study and target functions beyond enzymatic activity. Our goal is to understand how proteins’ and protein complexes’ function, and how we can modulate their function using small molecules.

Currently, our main focus is on expanding the potential of such proximity-inducing drugs within oncogenic kinase signaling. Projects that are initiating in our lab are:

• Investigating how mutations in kinases affect cancer-related signaling;

• Using high-content imaging to discover new molecular glue degraders;

• Identifying proximity-based drug targets in the understudied "dark" proteome.

To study these topics we use a wide range of techniques covering functional genomics, including large-scale CRISPR/Cas9 and saturated mutagenesis screens, transcriptomics, as well as (chemical) proteomics and phenotypic drug screens. We are looking for motivated candidates for a PhD student position in our lab to work with us on these exciting topics and who is interested to learn advanced molecular techniques and unravel the molecular signaling in normal and cancerous cells.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is a dynamic comprehensive cancer center accommodating over 55 research groups and many state-of-the-art core facilities, including imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics and screening. 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.

We invite you to apply if you are enthusiastic about this research and meet the following criteria:

• A degree or background in cancer biology, chemical biology, chemistry, or a related discipline;

• Eager to develop new CIP strategies and study kinase signaling in cancer;

• Open to learning coding and data analysis skills as part of the project (prior experience is not required);

• Interested in learning and applying advanced molecular techniques;

• Creative, motivated, and curious;

• Can work independently and communicate well in a team setting;

• 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 temporary contract for a period of four years, for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.665,- and € 4.450,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the OIO 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;

• An environment where you can continue to learn and develop your personal and professional skills;

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

• An active PhD council.

Interested?

We are curious about your talent! Will you be the one to make a difference in the world of cancer care and research? You can apply by clicking the apply/solliciteer button at the top of the page. Please attach your CV, motivation letter (maximum one page) 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.

For questions about the position, please contact Natalie Scholes via n.scholes@nki.nl.

In January 2026, Natalie Scholes will start her own research group at the NKI. She is currently working at CeMM/AITHYRA in Vienna, where her postdoctoral work has focused on small molecule inhibitors that can also act as degraders.. She is excited to build a team with likeminded people in which they aim to solve important biological questions, challenge each other but also help and support each other.

This vacancy is open for applications until November 16th 2025.