Project information
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may progress to invasive breast cancer (IBC), but about 3 out of 4 never will. We cannot reliably distinguish the minority of high-risk, potentially progressive DCIS lesions from the low-risk, harmless ones in current practice. Consequently, almost all women with DCIS are treated with surgery, often supplemented by radiotherapy, to prevent progression to IBC. Therefore, there is an urgent need to distinguish the high- from low-risk lesions to avoid overtreatment of the latter ones. This is not trivial as DCIS is a widespread finding in women, primarily due to the introduction of population-based breast cancer screening, comprising up to 25% of all newly diagnosed breast 'malignancies.'

We have the most extensive well-annotated DCIS datasets in the world available with over 12 years of follow-up. Using this, we will develop state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to distinguish high- from low-risk DCIS at the level of histopathology. In addition, we will investigate the morphological and biological features that the AI model will select; we will also integrate AI with genomics data. This project will develop deep learning techniques for quantifying biomarkers in histopathology images (H&E and IHC) in multimodal data. As the input dimensionality can exceed 250 000 x 250 000, we will research novel self-supervised contrastive learning techniques combined with transformers/multiple instance learning models. Eventually, we will combine these with model interpretability techniques to discover new insights into DCIS. 

The job description
As a PhD-candidate/postdoc, you will be responsible for developing and evaluating state-of-the-art deep learning techniques in multidisciplinary data. You will validate these algorithms in independent cases to ensure the devised AI-algorithms’ applicability in clinical practice.

You are embedded in the Wesseling Lab (https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/jelle-wesseling/) and the Teuwen Lab (AI for Oncology https://aiforoncology.nl) at the Netherlands Cancer. The Wesseling’ lab overarching research focus is to develop new strategies to substantially improve the prognostic and predictive power of breast cancer pathology and to understand the underlying biology. The mission of AI for Oncology Lab is to develop artificial intelligence innovations for the improvement of cancer diagnostics and therapy.

You will discuss results with our team, publish your work in artificial intelligence / medical journals, and present it at international conferences.

We are looking for a motivated, independent, and proactive PhD candidate or postdoc who is enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary setting to improve breast cancer care using AI. A teamplayer’s mentality and excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this position. You will develop novel deep learning algorithms and shape the research in collaboration with the project leaders, AI, and medical experts.

Preferably you have a master's degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, physics, mathematics, or equivalent by experience. In any case, you should have experience with deep learning and have excellent programming skills. Affinity with deep learning and the other required techniques should be clear from your materials submitted, including courses followed and your GitHub account.

Dienstverband voor bepaalde tijd: PhD (4 years) or Postdoc (3 years).

You will have the opportunity to follow high-quality courses offered by the OOA oncology graduate school throughout your PhD. The employment will be for a period of 4 years. The gross salary per month for our PhD will range from € 2.882,- to a maximum of € 3.322,- according to the standard PhD scales. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labor Agreement for Hospitals). 

Regarding  the postdoc, the employment will be for a period of 3 years. The gross salary will range from € 3.447,- and € 4.077,- per month for a fulltime position, according to the FWG-function group 55 (postdoc), depending on previous experience as a postdoc . The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). 

In addition you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus in December (8,33%) and in May you will receive 8,33% holiday pay. For more information in regard to the secondary conditions please visit our website: https://www.nki.nl/careers-study/how-to-apply/. 

The Netherlands Cancer Institute

The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL), founded in 1913 and based in Amsterdam, is an independent comprehensive cancer center, comprising a hospital and research laboratories under one roof in a single independent organization.

Our research institute accommodates 750 scientists and scientific support personnel from more than 45 different countries. The Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital has 230 medical specialists, 212 beds, an out-patients clinic with around 140.000 visits annually, 12 operating theaters and 11 irradiation units for radiotherapy.

Our research institute gratefully acknowledges funding from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Dutch Cancer Society and individuals donors, and from project grants from national and international organizations.

the Wesseling Lab and the Teuwen Lab