Postdoc in Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, and Exposome Science for Cancer Development Utrecht University in Netherlands

Postdoc opportunity at Utrecht University in cancer development, molecular epidemiology, and exposome science.

This position is based at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, within the One Health Chemical research line led by Prof. Roel Vermeulen. The postdoc will work closely with Dr Martijn Kolijn and Prof. Roel Vermeulen on the project Bridging the Molecular Biology and Epidemiology of Cancer Development.

The research focuses on how environmental and lifestyle exposures shape cancer risk years before diagnosis. The successful candidate will analyse high-resolution mass spectrometry data, including exogenous and endogenous metabolomics, and high-throughput targeted proteomics (Olink/SomaScan) from prospective population cohorts to characterise the internal exposome. The role also includes linking exposome surfaces from projects such as EXPANSE and EXPOSOME-NL to large cohorts, integrating external and internal exposome data, and connecting molecular alterations in plasma before diagnosis with tumour signatures at diagnosis.

This is a multidisciplinary position at the intersection of molecular biology, epidemiology, environmental health, statistics, and data science. The postdoc will apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods, contribute to major collaborations including ESCALATION, SPACETIME, DISCERN, and COVIDMETA, and publish findings in scientific journals and conferences.

Eligibility highlights: a PhD in molecular biology, molecular (environmental) epidemiology, data science, or a related field; strong quantitative and analytical skills; experience with R or similar programming; and good written and spoken English. Experience with cancer research, metabolomics, proteomics, spatial data analysis, and exposome science is valued.

Funding and terms: the appointment is for one year initially, with the possibility of extension up to four years based on performance. Salary is €3,546–€5,538 gross per month for full-time employment, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.

Application deadline: 12 June 2026. Apply through the Utrecht University vacancy page and include a motivation letter, CV, and referee details.