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The Netherlands Cancer Institute

PhD Positions in Hereditary & Early-Onset Breast Cancer Epidemiology at Netherlands Cancer Institute Netherlands Cancer Institute in Netherlands

PhD Positions in Hereditary & Early-Onset Breast Cancer Epidemiology at Netherlands Cancer Institute

The Netherlands Cancer Institute

Netherlands

Dec 31, 2025

Keywords

Data Science
Public Health
Population Genetics
Biostatistics
Biology
Computational Biology
Medical Science
Cancer Epidemiology
Clinical Management
Statistics
Bioinformatics
Genetics/genomics
Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Description

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is offering three fully funded PhD positions within the HER-CARE Doctoral Network, focusing on hereditary and early-onset breast cancer epidemiology. These positions provide an opportunity to contribute to innovative, interdisciplinary research on genetic, immunologic, and clinical risk factors for breast cancer. The HER-CARE network is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-Doctoral network, bringing together leading academic and industrial partners to train a new generation of researchers in breast cancer research. PhD candidates will work on projects such as identifying risk and protective factors for second breast cancers, developing predictive models and online tools for risk management, and characterizing genomic signatures of early-onset tumors. The research involves advanced statistical analyses, integration of large-scale genomic, histological, and immunological data, and collaboration with international partners through academic and non-academic secondments. Applicants must hold an MSc degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields such as public health, population genetics, or data science. Prior experience in cancer epidemiology is advantageous. Candidates must be fluent in academic English, possess strong problem-solving and communication skills, and be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary, international team. Eligibility criteria include not having resided or been mainly active in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment, not holding a PhD degree, and having a Master’s degree before the program start or by September 2026. The positions are fully funded for four years, with a competitive salary and benefits including holiday pay, travel allowance, free parking, and access to core research facilities. The dynamic research environment at NKI offers opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and participation in network-wide training events and conferences. Candidates will complete two secondments with academic and non-academic partners, broadening their research experience and professional network. To apply, candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV with MSc grades and publications, and contact details of two references as a single document. If the MSc certificate is not yet obtained, applicants should explain what remains to be completed and provide the expected graduation date. Applications are open until December 31, 2025, with interviews scheduled in January and February 2026. For questions, contact [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about cancer research, epidemiology, genomics, and clinical translation, seeking to make a significant impact on breast cancer outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced research.

Funding

The positions are fully funded for four years, with 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 experience. Benefits include 144 holiday hours, 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, annual holiday pay of 8.33%, a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%, travel allowance of €0.23 per km, free parking, and discounts on public transport. Additional support includes access to core facilities, network-wide training, conference opp

How to apply

Apply online via the provided application link. Submit a motivation letter, CV including MSc grades and publications, and contact details of two references as a single document. If you do not yet have your MSc certificate, explain what remains to be completed and your expected graduation date. Applications are open until December 31, 2025.

Requirements

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related discipline such as public health, population genetics, or data science. Prior experience in cancer epidemiology (e.g., internship) is advantageous. Candidates must be fluent in academic English (spoken and written), possess a problem-solving mindset, interdisciplinary curiosity, and excellent communication skills for international team collaboration. Eligibility requires that candidates have not resided or been mainly active in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment, must not already possess a PhD degree, and must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) before the start of the program or by September 2026 at the latest.

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