We are seeking a Medical Doctor (MD) with an interest in pursuing a PhD to join an innovative clinical research project focused on advanced treatments for metastatic urological cancers, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. This project encompasses two novel approaches:

1. Investigating the combined use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with standard treatment modalities for these cancers.
2. Pioneering the application of natural killer (NK) cell therapy. The NK cell therapy phase of this PhD includes a unique international component, enabling the candidate to spend a dedicated period at UCLA. At UCLA you will work alongside leading NK cell therapy researchers to deepen their expertise and gain practical experience in this cutting-edge field.

This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity for an MD to make a significant impact on the future of urological cancer treatment through rigorous clinical research and innovation.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Clinical study participation: you will support the design and execution of a clinical trial that investigates the safety, efficacy, and impact of combining HBOT and NK cell therapy with standard treatments.
• Patient enrollment and monitoring: you will assist in patient recruitment, conduct eligibility assessments, and manage patient follow-up to ensure comprehensive data collection on treatment responses and safety.
• Data collection and analysis: you will collect, organize, and analyze clinical data to assess treatment outcomes; participate in reporting and publishing study findings.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: you will work with experts in oncology, immunology, and HBOT to develop robust protocols and ensure the clinical trial adheres to all ethical and regulatory standards.
• Research development: you will contribute to the development of research methodologies that bridge clinical and laboratory findings to advance cancer treatment options.

• Medical degree (MD, BIG-registered) with a strong interest in oncology and translational research.
• Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in innovative cancer therapies.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and communicate complex clinical concepts effectively.
• Previous clinical research experience or exposure to clinical trial processes is an advantage.
• Prior laboratory experience is advantageous, as the role involves working at the intersection of clinical and laboratory research.
• Excellent command of the Dutch language.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months (extension possible, subject to funding).
• Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 gross per month based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 186,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

The mission of the Department of Medical Oncology at Amsterdam UMC is to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients through customized therapy, i.e. the right systemic treatment for the individual patient. The research in the department focuses on new, individualized treatment strategies in the field of 'targeted agents' and immunotherapy, with or without other treatment modalities. On the other hand, innovative methods are developed to accurately and early determine the effect of the treatment. In this, our department is characterized by performing translational research in which there is continuous interaction between researchers in the laboratory and physicians in the clinic.