Leiden University is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary project focused on decoding the risk for young adult skin cancer.
Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity: Modeling Cell Migration & Melanoma Risk, Leiden University, Netherlands
Job Summary
- Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher (Academic Staff)
- Research Area: Computational Science, Mathematical/Theoretical Biology, Computational Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands (at the Faculty of Science, Bio Science Park)
- Contract Type: 1.0 FTE (38 hours/week) for 3 years.
- Salary: €3,546 – €5,538 gross per month (Scale 10).
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Vacancy Number | 16607 |
| Project | PhotoMel (EU-funded consortium) |
| Application Deadline | July 14, 2026 |
| Starting Date | Fall 2026 (flexible) |
Job Description
As a Postdoc within the Multiscale Mathematical Biology (MMB) team, you will contribute to the PhotoMel project, which aims to prevent melanoma onset by decoding the impact of chemical exposures on UVA-induced damage.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Developing novel 3D simulation techniques to model the mechanochemical regulation of melanoma cell migration.
- Integrating techniques into existing frameworks like the Tissue Simulation Toolkit, Morpheus, or CompuCell3D.
- Designing experiments to interpret ECM modifications caused by UV and skincare additives.
- Collaborating with PhD students and the wider international PhotoMel consortium.
- Publishing findings in scientific literature.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computational/Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in mathematical modeling (e.g., Cellular Potts, vertex-based, PDE models) and scientific programming (C++, Cuda, and/or Python).
- Communication: Strong English skills (oral and written) and the ability to communicate across interdisciplinary lines (biology and mathematics).
- Attributes: Ability to work independently, enthusiasm for cancer biology, and interest in contributing to a multidisciplinary environment.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application via the official portal including:
- A letter of motivation.
- An updated CV.
- A copy (or draft) of your PhD thesis and/or list of publications.
- Contact details of 1–2 former supervisors.
- Examples of previously written code.
Last Date for Application: July 14, 2026.
For inquiries, contact Prof.dr. Roeland Merks at merksrmh@math.leidenuniv.nl.
