Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We are seeking two ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellows to contribute to innovative studies in the genetic epidemiology of cancer. Within the group of Dr Gordon (Gordie) Watt, the selected candidate will carry out projects focused on the relationship between cancer, cancer treatment and the late effects of cancer treatment. As a postdoc you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers of various disciplines at the NKI and beyond.

These positions are funded by two grants from the European Union and from KWF, the Netherlands Cancer Society. The selected candidates will use data from large cohorts of cancer survivors in the Netherlands and beyond to understand the relationship between cancer risk, cancer therapy, and late effects of cancer therapy. You will establish population-based linkages, analyze genetic data from multiple sources, and contribute to statistical modelling.  In addition to pre-specified work outlined in funded grants, you will have the opportunity to develop related, independent lines of research in preparation for a tenure-track research position. To that end, you will also supervise PhD and Master students, develop grant proposals, and make valuable contributions to the academic community.  

As a postdoc at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, you will:

• Join a vibrant, international community of scientists from various disciplines;

• Present research at local symposia and international scientific meetings;

• Obtain training to deepen your research skills;

• Prepare and submit grant proposals to support future research.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)

Approximately 550 people work in research at the NKI, including many clinician-scientists. Regular discussions, lectures and seminars allow for exchange of ideas and new collaborations. With postdocs, students and staff members from around the world, there is a distinctly international atmosphere at the Institute. The Watt Group is positioned within the Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiological (PSOE). Postdocs complete a course tailor-made for postdoctoral researchers, have regular opportunities to present their research, and have access to career development resources.

We are searching for a highly motivated postdoctoral investigator with the following expertise and experience:

Essential qualifications:

• A PhD in Epidemiology, Population Sciences, Bioinformatics, Population genetics or a related field

• Experience in the analysis of high-dimensional genetic data, including working within remote computing clusters using command-line tools

• A demonstrated interest in population science research. Candidates without population science / Epidemiology research experience will not be considered.

• Excellent verbal and written English language skills

• At least one peer-reviewed first-authored publication at the time of application

Additional desired qualifications:

• Experience with Dutch population health linkages, such as CBG/CBS

• Interest in mentoring PhD and Master Students

• A collaborative and open-minded approach to research

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 employment for a period of 2 years, based on 32-36 hours per week, and potentially extended to 2 additional years;

• 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 and status of PhD finalization;

• 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 specialized 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?

Please note: one of these positions was previously advertised as “Immuno-SBC” and has been re-opened for additional applications for a 2nd postdoctoral research position. If you previously applied, please consider carefully before re-applying whether your qualifications meet the role.

Apply now by using the apply/solliciteer button at the top of the page! Please attach your CV, contact details of two references, and a motivational letter describing education, research accomplishments, and short- and long-term research goals. You can only upload two files to the submission system, so make sure to merge your CV and references into one PDF.

For further information about the position, please contact Gordon Watt, via g.watt@nki.nl.

The closing date is Sunday, February 15th at 11:59 PM CET.

We are anticipating a start date on or around May 1st 2026, though start date is negotiable.