In this call, we invite applicants who can enrich our current research portfolio with a particular interest in the area of early detection with a focus in one of the below fields:
- Risk-based early detection and screening, including epidemiology and quantitative methodology
- AI, machine learning, and data science for multimodal risk prediction and decision support
- Biomarker discovery and validation, including molecular, imaging, and clinical markers
- Translational research into (pre)malignant lesions, with a focus on biological mechanisms that drive or prevent progression to invasive cancer
- Integration of biological insights into risk stratification, decision thresholds, and early intervention strategies
- Implementation science for early detection pathways, including pragmatic study designs and real-world evaluation
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. Early Detection is one of our key research themes. 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 NKI also provides support for trial design, data management and analysis. The Center for Early Diagnostics performs many innovative clinical studies and is involved in many collaborations with other hospitals. 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. Since the Center for Early Diagnostics also collaborates with general practitioners and peripheral hospitals it will be helpful to be able to speak Dutch or willing to learn the Dutch language.
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.
Inviting conditions
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.
Application process
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), and three letters of reference should be submitted to director@nki.nl. The application deadline is 15 August, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified shortly afterwards and invited for an online interview on 4 September, 2026. On 16 and 17 September, 2026 we have scheduled interviews with the final candidates at the NKI.
Please note, the above mentioned dates have been updated on July 10, 2026.
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 Jelle Wesseling (j.wesseling@nki.nl) or Marjanka Schmidt (mk.schmidt@nki.nl) or Jacco van Rheenen (j.v.rheenen@nki.nl), or Thijn Brummelkamp (t.brummelkamp@nki.nl).