Radboud University’s Vermeulen Lab is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the study of protein regulatory networks in cancer. This project is part of the Oncode Accelerator Growth Fund, aiming to accelerate the development of new cancer therapies by leveraging innovative omics strategies. As a PhD candidate, you will develop and apply advanced proteomic tools to investigate protein interactions and signalling pathways in primary cancer tissues, organoids, and clinical samples. The research will connect molecular mechanisms to tumour biology, with the goal of identifying novel actionable targets for drug development.

You will work extensively with patient-derived FFPE material, optimizing proteomic workflows for highly limited and heterogeneous samples to enable in-depth profiling of tumour biology. A major aspect of the project involves establishing intratumoral heterogeneity maps using spatial proteomic profiling, including laser capture microdissection and mass spectrometry analysis. Where feasible, you will also explore single-cell proteomics approaches to gain additional resolution on cell-state diversity within tumours.

Collaboration is a key component, as you will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher to develop and apply novel proximity-labelling strategies for charting dynamic protein–protein interactions and local proteome environments. These methodological advances will contribute to large-scale interaction and signalling network analyses across clinically annotated cohorts, generating a high-resolution view of cancer-specific protein interaction networks. The findings are expected to inform new hypotheses on epigenetic control in cancer and support Oncode Accelerator’s translational goals.

The Vermeulen Lab specializes in state-of-the-art proteomics technologies to understand how proteins and protein networks regulate gene expression and cell fate in health and disease. You will join a dynamic, internationally recognized research group with access to clinical material and expertise in translational cancer research, as well as opportunities to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies.

Radboud University’s Faculty of Science is committed to groundbreaking research and excellent education, fostering an inclusive and international environment. The university offers a competitive employment package, including a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month (increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year), 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra annual leave, flexible working hours, and a good pension plan. Dual Career Coaching is available for partners, and employees receive discounts on sports and cultural activities.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with a strong interest in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, cancer biology, and gene regulation. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular cloning is required; prior experience with mass spectrometry-based techniques is advantageous. Candidates should be collaborative, analytical, and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary setting.

The application deadline is 4 January 2026. Interviews will begin on 23 January, with a possible second round on 12 February. For more information, contact Prof. Michiel Vermeulen at [email protected]. Apply online via the provided link, addressing your application letter to Prof. Vermeulen and including the required documents as specified in the application form.