Job Summary
Join UMC Utrecht as a postdoctoral researcher to investigate why immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) work for some patients but not others. Utilizing the unique UNICIT biobank—which contains sequential blood, feces, and tissue biopsy samples from over 600 patients treated with ICIs—you will work to advance translational cancer immunotherapy research, unraveling the mechanisms behind treatment resistance and severe immune-mediated toxicities.
Key Job Details
| Category | Details |
| Designation | Postdoc Researcher (Postdoc onderzoeker) |
| Employment Type | Temporary contract (Bepaald) – 2 years |
| Working Hours | 36 hours per week (Full-time) |
| Salary Range | €3,724 – €5,867 gross per month (Salary Scale 10) |
| Academic Level | Academic (Academisch) |
| Primary Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
Research Area
- Tumor Immunology & Translational Oncology: Specifically focused on cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), clinical/translational research in melanoma, and predicting treatment response/toxicity.
Location
- Department of Medical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- Note: You will work in a highly collaborative environment with strong ties to the Center for Translational Immunology and the AI Lab for Molecular Medicine.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: You must hold a PhD degree in tumor immunology, molecular biology, medicine, or a closely related field.
- Experience/Interest: Strong interest or prior experience in tumor immunology and translational/clinically-oriented oncology research.
- Technical Skills: Proven experience in analyzing molecular data.
- Soft Skills: Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary, diverse teams.
- Languages: Good proficiency in both spoken and written English.
Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the group of Prof. dr. Karijn Suijkerbuijk, you will conduct cutting-edge research on ICI toxicity and resistance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, perform, and document laboratory experiments.
- Analyze and interpret complex molecular and clinical patient data from the UNICIT biobank.
- Present scientific findings through oral presentations and written publications.
- Collaborate closely with internal departments and external national/international research institutes.
- Supervise junior researchers and PhD candidates working on related projects.
- Write and contribute to grant proposals to secure future research funding.
Benefits Offered:
- Competitive salary with a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a holiday allowance of 8%.
- Pension insurance with ABP (UMC Utrecht covers approximately 70% of the monthly contribution).
- 100% public transport reimbursement (or €0.18/km travel allowance if walking, cycling, or driving).
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Flexible employment benefits exchange options (e.g., bicycle purchase schemes).
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application directly through the UMC Utrecht Job Portal.
Your application must include:
- A tailored motivation letter.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact details of two professional references.
For questions regarding this vacancy, you can contact Prof. dr. K.P.M. Suijkerbuijk at +31 6 55 23 47 06.
Last Date to Apply
- August 4, 2026
