PhD Position Focused on Personalized Medicine for Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers

Cancer arises frequently from cells in the gastrointestinal (GE) tract. Among these cancers neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas constitute a group of rare cancers that are often hard to treat. Although a range of therapeutic interventions is available it remains hard to predict the optimal treatment strategy for each this project we aim to develop personalized treatment strategies for GE cancers by leveraging the pattern of somatic mutations present in a tumor.

The tens of thousands of mutations that are detected by whole genome sequencing yield a vast amount of information on the origin and state of a cancer. The challenge is to infer from these big datasets the patterns that are of biological and clinical relevance. This can be done through analytical and statistical interrogation of the data. For example our previous work has by this approach highlighted the relevance of chromosomal copy number aberrations in a tumor for the future course of the disease.

As a PhD student you will develop and apply quantitative approaches to leverage whole genome sequencing data in conjunction with clinical data for the improvement of treatment strategies for GE cancers. You will work in a multidisciplinary team involving medical oncologist bioinformaticians and pathologists.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute

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. Here we save lives gain time and quality.

We are seeking a PhD student who has a strong quantitative background experience with bioinformatics analysis and is eager to apply these skills for understanding cancer biology and improving particular we are looking for a candidate with:

• An analytical background and knowledge of molecular biology. For example candidates might have a bachelors degree in physics/mathematics/informatics and a masters degree or a minor in bioinformatics or biology;

• Experience with cancer genomics is a plus;

• Good social and communication skills and who is capable to work in a multidisciplinary team;

• Excellent programming skills with knowledge of BASH scripting and proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: R Python or MATLAB.

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 a period of three 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;

• 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 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 Apply now by using the apply/solliciteer button! Please attach your motivation letter CV 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 more information about the position please contact Margot Tesselaar MD PhD () or Daniël Miedema senior bioinformatics scientist PhD ().

This vacancy is open for applications until December 6th 2025.