Melanoma is a highly aggressive type of skin cancer accounting for over 85% of skin cancer mortality. While immunotherapy with ICI has shown promising results, many patients do not respond or develop resistance to these therapies. An urgent clinical need exists to understand resistance mechanisms, identify biomarkers to predict resistance and uncover novel targets to prevent resistance. Utilizing spatial transcriptomics and AI, we aim to develop novel data analysis strategies to decode the complex tissue architecture and ultimately identify resistance pathways in ICI-treated melanoma patients.

In this role, you will work interdisciplinary between the fields of tumor immunology, data science, and pathology. You will support the integration of clinical, immunological and AI expertise within the project. Your key responsibilities include:

• Analyzing single-cell spatial transcriptomics data from 120 melanoma patients (responders and non-responders) with a focus on the immunological aspects of the response to ICI treatment.
• Investigating existing methodologies and develop new AI-driven methodologies for analysis of spatial transcriptomics data together with another postdoc.
• Collaborating closely with Genmab to discover biomarkers and therapeutic targets for overcoming resistance.

• PhD in (tumor) immunology, molecular biology, computational biology, or a related field.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python.
• Experience in data analysis, with affinity for machine learning/AI preferred.
• Experience with RNA sequencing, ideally in a single-cell context.
• Fluency in Dutch and English (spoken and written).
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work independently and in a team.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 5.504,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

The Center for Molecular Medicine focuses on understanding the molecular basis of disease. The Center is part of the Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics of the UMC Utrecht and comprises the Sections Molecular Cancer Research, Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Genetics. Within the institute, multidisciplinary fundamental and translational research is performed in relation to various diseases, including cancer, chronic inflammatory and genetic disorders. The aim of the CMM is to train the next generation of biomedical scientists by performing internationally leading, fundamental biomedical research and by offering stimulating and excellent education.

You will be part of the AI Lab for Molecular Medicine, led by Jeroen de Ridder and Karijn Suijkerbuijk, at UMC Utrecht, one of the largest academic medical centers in the Netherlands. The lab focuses on applying AI to solve complex biological challenges using molecular and omics data. Collaboration and innovation are central to the lab’s mission.

Contact our colleague:
Prof.Dr.Ir. Jeroen de Ridder
06 51 35 59 24
j.deridder-4@umcutrecht.nl