Within the Dutch Research Council project "ANTICANCER: Game theory empowered by data science and control theory to improve treatment of metastatic cancer" we are looking for PhD candidates to join our team focusing on predictive and intervention modelling to improve our understanding and treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.  

Within this PhD position, you will validate game-theoretic models of cancer response to therapy through patient volumetric and omics data from two different hospitals. You will compare predictive capabilities of game-theoretic models to those of machine learning techniques and optimize treatment strategies in the validated models with respect to different objectives to find treatments that fit different treatment goals, to propose novel treatment strategies.  

While this project is data-driven, you will also collaborate with a team of mathematicians, cancer biologists and clinicians from different universities and medical centers, as the outcomes of this project should improve standard of care of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. 

• MSc degree in data science, machine learning, numerical mathematics and/or related field
• Interest in explainability of machine learning algorithms
• Strong command of at least one programming language
• Experience with optimization
• Experience with fitting differential equations with real data
• Ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent command of English

Knowledge of game theory and/or data-driven simulation is a plus.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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