Hans van der Vliet

This PhD position at Amsterdam UMC sits at the intersection of medical oncology, hematology, immunology, and early-phase clinical research. The project focuses on improving cancer immunotherapy through two phase I studies, bringing together clinical trial work and laboratory-based translational research in a multidisciplinary setting. The first study investigates whether an existing hematological drug can safely enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in solid tumours. The second study examines the safety and biological effects of a bispecific T-cell engager developed in the lab for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Together, these studies aim to translate preclinical insights into clinical applications for patients with solid and hematological malignancies. You will work within the Cancer Center Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Immunity & Infection Institute , alongside a young and enthusiastic team with expertise spanning tumour immunology, immunotherapy, and cancer research from preclinical to clinical stages. The project also connects closely with the Immunotherapy Lab of the Department of Medical Oncology, where work on tumour-mediated immune suppression, myeloid cells as therapeutic targets, local immune activation in tumour-draining lymph nodes, and bispecific antibodies supports the broader research environment. As the PhD researcher, you will coordinate the two phase I studies, contribute to patient inclusion and follow-up, and analyse clinical as well as immunological data. In parallel, you will perform translational laboratory research using blood and tumour biopsies, with methods including flow cytometry and spatial transcriptomics. The project offers exposure to both patient-facing research and advanced immune monitoring in a strong academic medical centre.