Have you ever wondered why some cancers respond well to certain therapies and others do not? Tumours that develop as a result of BRCA1/2 deficiency are deficient in homologous recombination (HRD) and present a high level of genomic instability. The presence of HRD and related-genomic instability may guide treatment decisions for certain types of cancer. However, the detection of HRD is challenging and we cannot always accurately predict which tumours will respond to HRD-related therapies.

During this 3-year PhD project you will improve the detection of HRD by machine/deep-learning in genomics and imaging, implement tools to improve the detection of genomic variation that underlies HRD, and unravel novel causes underlying HRD.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Analyse tumours for their genomic instability using next-generation sequencing based molecular techniques.
• Develop machine/deep-learning methods to improve HRD detection both on a genomics and imaging level.
• Bioinformatic and statistical analyses.
• Write scientific manuscripts.
• Design and perform scientific research in the area of cancer genomics.
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team with other PhD candidates, scientists and medical doctors to discuss, plan and perform research.
• Finish the project with a scientific dissertation.

Our PhD candidate must have completed a Master's degree in Molecular Biology/Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Biology, Computer/Data Science/AI, or equivalent. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in oncology, genetics and artificial intelligence.

Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and/or deep learning is a plus and should be evident from the (online) courses you've followed, your publications, GitHub account, etc.
Good communication (fluent in English), and organizational skills are essential. A critical scientific attitude and the ability to work both independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team are key.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 172 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. (As of 1 January 2025, you will receive 176 vacation hours).

Radboudumc

The department of Human Genetics has over 300 staff in outpatient clinics and laboratories for genome research and -diagnostics including a large bioinformatics team. In the field of cancer genomics the department closely collaborates with the department of Pathology in the Laboratory of Tumor Genetics. This partnership guarantees collaboration with specialists that work with state of the art genetic techniques and access to pathological expertise. The research is embedded in the Research Institute for Medical Innovation and training will be supported by the Radboud graduate school.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Richarda de Voer, associate professor Cancer Genomics. Use the Apply button to submit your application.