Postdoc

Are you passionate about translational research and excited about turning molecular insights into better cancer diagnostics and patient care? We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in translational research, biomarkers, and molecular oncology. Experience with bioinformatic analysis of longitudinal data and dynamic modeling is highly valued. You will join the research group of Daan van den Broek at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, working at the interface of cutting-edge molecular research and clinical practice. Our research focuses on unlocking the potential of liquid biomarkers across tumor types and clinical settings, with the aim of understanding disease dynamics and improving patient management.

A key ambition of our group is to translate innovative molecular diagnostics from the laboratory to the clinic. You will contribute to research that not only advances our understanding of cancer, but also helps bring new technologies into routine clinical care and, ultimately, closer to the patients who can benefit from them.

As a postdoctoral researcher, your work will focus on longitudinal biomarker measurements and data, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), proteins, and metabolites. You will investigate the impact of longitudinal measurements of multimodal biomarkers across different clinical applications. Grant writing, project management, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and PhD student supervision will form an important part of your daily activities. Because this role spans multiple cancer types and clinical applications, a strong understanding of the requirements for biomarker testing in specific clinical contexts is preferred.

In this position, you will work within a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in laboratory medicine, molecular biology, pathology, radiology, and clinical medicine. You will design and lead research projects involving the analysis of patient samples, modeling of longitudinal biomarker dynamics, evaluation of assay performance, and prospective validation of biomarker-based surveillance and treatment-response monitoring strategies against current standard-of-care approaches.

Responsibilities

• Project design, management, and scientific leadership;

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

• Drafting research studies and preparing scientific manuscripts;

• Writing grant proposals and contributing to funding applications;

• Project management and supervision of PhD students.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

Science is at the heart of everything we do at the NKI. But breakthroughs don't happen through science alone; they happen through people – curious minds, bold thinkers, people who challenge assumptions and turn complex questions into meaningful discoveries. Around 600 scientists, together with 150 scientific and 150 administrative professionals, work here across the full spectrum of cancer research, from fundamental science to clinical innovation. With roughly 55 nationalities represented, we form a vibrant international community where English is our shared language and every voice carries equal weight. Our institute sits just 15 minutes by bike from the heart of Amsterdam.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you are able to work effectively in a team while also taking responsibility for your own work and research projects. You are willing to take an active role in writing research grants for multidisciplinary collaborative projects. You are able to play a central role in communication and collaboration among clinicians, industry partners, laboratory specialists, bioinformaticians, and regulatory experts.

Furthermore, you are:

• Enthusiastic about diagnostic innovation and its potential to improve patient care;

• Motivated to design and execute projects focused on novel diagnostic tools for longitudinal biomarker assessment;

• Interested in advancing molecular surveillance and treatment-response monitoring toward clinical implementation;

• Experienced in laboratory research, with a solid understanding of molecular oncology and bioinformatics (preferred).

Training in the use of clinical-grade biomarker assays, advanced bioinformatic modeling, and multimodal classifier development will be provided where needed. Ambition, motivation, creativity, and strong organizational skills will be essential for driving this research forward.

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 three years, for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between € 4.629,- and € 5.503,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with FWG 55 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;

• 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 at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association.

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 solliciteer/apply button and upload your CV, motivation letter and contact details of your references to the application form. You can upload a maximum of two documents, so please make sure to include your reference information with your CV or cover letter.

For further questions about the position, please contact Paul van der Leest, Postdoctoral Fellow (020-5129190, p.vd.leest@nki.nl)

For questions about the application procedure, please contact Daphne Hemskerk, Recruiter, d.heemskerk@nki.nl.

This vacancy is open for applications until October 25.