The NKI is one of the world’s leading cancer research institutes. Researchers at the NKI conduct curiosity-driven, translational, and clinical research across a wide range of cancer-related topics. Covering genome organization, immunology, cellular and molecular biology, structural biology, advanced mouse models for cancer, innovative therapies, artificial intelligence, clinical cancer research, psychosocial research, and epidemiology we provide an excellent research environment. Our researchers are supported by excellent research facilities including an animal facility flow cytometry, bioimaging, genomics, and protein purification and analysis, including mass spectrometry. These facilities have up-to-date equipment and dedicated and experienced operators. Researchers have access also to a large amount of patient data and material, supported by data desks and a molecular pathology facility for analysis on patient samples. The clinic performs many innovative clinical trials supported by a clinical trial unit, a fully licensed pharmacy for the production of novel drugs and cell-based therapies, and support for trial design, data management and analysis. Our website includes an overview of the ongoing research, the research groups and the research facilities.
The NKI has a very open and collaborative culture. We discuss research critically, always with the aim to improve our research. Students and postdocs from different research groups interact closely and actively help each other. All meetings and communication are in English and with the many non-Dutch scientists, we have created a truly international atmosphere. In total, our institute comprises approximately 650 scientists and scientific support staff.
At the NKI, junior group leaders enjoy full scientific independence to develop and execute their innovative and curiosity-driven research programme. We are inviting applicants that have exciting research plans in an area mentioned above and that can show to be a highly qualified, innovative, and original scientist as well as a good mentor, supervisor and colleague ready to start their own research group.
A junior group leader receives a support package including their own salary, salary for one additional position and, when external funding has not yet been obtained, financial support for two additional positions. A junior group leader will be offered a 5-year appointment with an evaluation for tenure at the end of this period.
All group leaders have access to the institute’s research facilities and a fully equipped laboratory; only consumables are charged.
We offer competitive salaries and excellent secondary employment conditions. The employment conditions include an end-of-year and a holiday payment (each 8% of the annual salary) and contribution to a pension scheme. We also offer financial support for moving to the Netherlands.
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Applications, including a CV, a concise description of research achievements and interests and a summary of the research plan (2 pages max), and a research plan (4 pages max including background and significance, research goals, preliminary data, scientific approach, figures, and references), should be submitted to director@nki.nl. Applicants for the junior group leader position should arrange three letters of reference to be sent directly to director@nki.nl. The application deadline is May 1st, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified shortly afterwards and invited for an online interview on May 26, 2026. On June 18 and 19, 2026 we have scheduled interviews with the final candidates at the NKI.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing diversity in gender and nationality.
If you would like to know more about this vacancy and/or about the NKI, please contact Titia Sixma (t.sixma@nki.nl), Daniel Peeper (d.peeper@nki.nl), Jacco van Rheenen (j.v.rheenen@nki.nl), or Thijn Brummelkamp (t.brummelkamp@nki.nl).
