Research (NKI - English)

Looking for talents

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we all want the same thing: solve the problem of cancer together. At our research institute, we conduct groundbreaking research to reach this goal. Discover our vacancies for PhDs and postdocs on this page, and become a part of our team exploring new routes to help people with cancer on a global scale.

Karin Olthof

PhD student Karen Olthof

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we combine care for cancer patients with groundbreaking research. More than 750 scientists from across 45 countries work at our research institute, including many young PhD students. They research the ways cells operate, how cancer cells derail, and how physicians can detect the condition as early as possible, and effectively treat it.

Karen Olthof is a PhD student looking into ways in which we can use navigation to improve the quality and precision of liver cancer surgeries. Watch the video about her PhD research.

Would you like to work at the NKI?

At the NKI, we appreciate all our researchers and we acknowledge the vital role they play in health care. Working as a researcher can be challenging yet rewarding as a career, and we are dedicated to help you reach your goals and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our vacancies or the application procedure. We would love to hear from you!

Working at the Netherlands Cancer Institute: practical information

What is the application procedure like?

The application procedure consists of several steps:

  1. Apply online: under every job posting, you will see an application button. Click on the button to open the application form which will allow you to upload your resume and motivation letter. If there are currently no suitable vacancies, you are always welcome to submit an an open application. After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation by e-mail.
  2. Resume and motivation letter selection: we will decide whether you would be a good fit for our organization and the vacancy based on your resume and motivation letter before inviting you for an initial interview. If we choose not to invite you to come in for an interview, we will notify you via e-mail. We strive to provide applicants feedback within two weeks.
  3. Job interview: depending on the position you are applying for, you will have to come in for one or two job interviews. These interviews are often held with your future supervisors and members of the research group or research facility. You may also be invited to present your previous work.
  4. Assessment/Screening: some positions may require an assessment and/or a screening in order to comply with laws and regulations. Our HR department will support you throughout this process.
    5. Starting work: if you and your supervisor are in agreement, you will receive a job offer and terms of employment. You will receive this job offer through an e-mail from the HR Department.

What are the terms of employment at the NKI?

Collective Labor Agreement

Your employment contract is based on a Collective labor Agreement; this Collective Labor Agreement for Hospitals applies to nearly every employee at the NKIThe conditions outlined in this collective labor agreement apply to your contract as well as the pay grading of the job. Learn more:

CAO ziekenhuizen (Dutch only)