Postdoc Position in Cancer Epidemiology and Molecular Biology at Utrecht University, Netherlands (2026) Fully Funded
Utrecht University, Netherlands is offering an exciting fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position titled:
"Bridging the molecular biology and epidemiology of cancer development".
This opportunity is ideal for researchers interested in:
- cancer biology,
- molecular epidemiology,
- exposome science,
- environmental health,
- metabolomics,
- proteomics,
- and data-driven biomedical research.
The position is based at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.
About the Research Project
Cancer remains one of the largest global health challenges, affecting nearly one in two people across Europe during their lifetime.
Most cancer research focuses on diagnosis and treatment after disease development. However, this project aims to understand:
- how environmental and lifestyle exposures contribute to cancer risk,
- how molecular changes appear years before diagnosis,
- and how prevention strategies can be improved through exposome research.
- molecular signals found in blood samples before diagnosis,
- environmental exposures,
- and tumour biology observed at diagnosis.
The ultimate goal is to improve cancer prevention through biology-driven environmental health research.
International Research Collaborations
The research is embedded within large international collaborations across Europe and the USA, including:
- ESCALATION
- SPACETIME
- DISCERN
- COVIDMETA
This provides strong opportunities for international networking, collaborative publications, and interdisciplinary research exposure.
Position Details
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Position |
Postdoctoral
Researcher |
|
Research Area |
Cancer
Epidemiology & Molecular Biology |
|
Institution |
Utrecht
University |
|
Department |
Institute for
Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) |
|
Location |
Utrecht,
Netherlands |
|
Contract
Duration |
1 Year
(Possible Extension up to 4 Years) |
|
Working Hours |
36–40 Hours per
Week |
|
Salary |
€3546 – €5538
per Month |
|
Application
Deadline |
12 June 2026 |
|
Latest Start
Date |
1 October 2026 |
Research Responsibilities
The selected researcher will work at the intersection of:
- molecular biology,
- epidemiology,
- environmental health,
- and exposome science.
Main responsibilities include:
1. Molecular Data Analysis
You will analyze:
- high-resolution mass spectrometry data,
- metabolomics datasets,
- and high-throughput proteomics data.
The project uses platforms such as Olink, SomaScan, and advanced metabolomics technologies.
2. Exposome Research
A major focus is understanding the “exposome” — the total environmental and lifestyle exposures affecting human health.
You will:
- characterize internal exposome profiles,
- integrate biological and environmental exposure data,
- and investigate environmental determinants of cancer risk.
3. Linking Plasma and Tumour Biology
The research aims to connect molecular alterations in blood years before diagnosis, with tumour molecular signatures observed later during cancer development.
This may help identify early biological pathways involved in cancer risk.
4. Statistical and Machine Learning Analysis
The project involves:
- advanced statistical modelling,
- machine learning methods,
- and large-scale biomedical data integration.
Researchers with computational and quantitative skills will have a strong advantage.
5. Scientific Publications and Conferences
You will:
- publish research findings,
- present work at international conferences,
- and contribute to cancer prevention research discussions.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Molecular Biology, Molecular Epidemiology, Data Science, Environmental Health, or a related discipline
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Programming experience in R, or similar scientific programming languages
Preferred Skills
Additional advantages include experience with metabolomics, mass spectrometry, proteomics, environmental health research, exposome science, and spatial data analysis.
Experience in cancer research is highly valuable.
Research Environment
The position is hosted at IRAS, an interdisciplinary institute spanning:
- Veterinary Medicine
- and Medicine.
The institute focuses on:
- toxicology,
- environmental epidemiology,
- veterinary public health,
- and environmental health risks.
The research environment is highly multidisciplinary and collaborative.
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is one of the leading research universities in Europe and is internationally recognized for:
- life sciences,
- biomedical sciences,
- sustainability,
- and interdisciplinary research.
The university strongly promotes international collaboration, diversity, and inclusive scientific environments.
Salary and Benefits
The university offers:
- monthly salary between €3546–€5538,
- 8% holiday allowance,
- 8.3% year-end bonus,
- pension scheme,
- partially paid parental leave,
- flexible working conditions,
- and professional development support.
Additional benefits include:
- sports and cultural activities,
- flexible leave arrangements,
- and career development programs.
Why This Opportunity Is Highly Valuable
This is not a routine biomedical postdoc. The project combines:
- molecular biology,
- environmental epidemiology,
- exposome science,
- AI-assisted data analysis,
- and cancer prevention research.
Researchers with interdisciplinary computational and biomedical backgrounds are increasingly in demand internationally. The project also offers exposure to:
- large-scale international datasets,
- translational cancer research,
- and preventive health science.
Application Process
Applications must include:
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- Contact information for at least two referees
Applications should be submitted through the official Utrecht University application system.
Contact Information
For further information:
Official Application Link
Apply here: Utrecht University Application Portal
Final Thoughts
This is an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in:
- cancer prevention,
- exposome science,
- molecular epidemiology,
- metabolomics,
- and data-intensive biomedical research.
Candidates with strong quantitative biology and molecular data analysis skills will be particularly competitive.
Because this project sits at the intersection of biology, environmental health, and computational science, it offers strong long-term career value for researchers aiming to work in next-generation biomedical and preventive health research.
Comments
Post a Comment