Immunotherapy (e.g. with checkpoint inhibitors) has shown promising results in different cancer types, however only a subset of patients responds effectively to therapy. Oncogenic pathways in tumor cells play an important role in the evasion of antitumor immune response and are responsible for different mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. A better understanding of these pathways (and their heterogeneity across individuals) would allow to propose new informed (personalised) therapeutic strategies, for example co-targeting oncogenic pathways and checkpoint molecules.

As a PhD student at TU/e, you will develop and apply computational methods (e.g. mechanistic models, machine learning, statistical analysis) and integrate different -omics (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) and clinical data, in order to gain important insights in the role of tumor cell signaling pathways in the regulation/evasion of antitumor immune response, aimed at improving personalised cancer immunotherapy. You will collaborate with local and international research groups, publishing the results in international scientific conferences proceedings and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

About Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e):

The TU/e is a University of Technology with a focus on Health, Energy and Mobility. Within the Health area, several departments cooperate on topics such as Chemical Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Computational Biology, and Biosensing, with close links to healthcare and industry. The TU/e is an open and inclusive university with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence. TU/e enables its academic staff to develop research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an open, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires.

About the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME):

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers a research driven BME Bachelor program and Masters Biomedical Engineering, Medical Sciences and Technology and Medical Engineering in its Graduate Program. Research areas range from Molecular Bioengineering and Imaging, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering to Biomedical Imaging and Modeling. The department has more than 800 students and up to 200 tenured and non-tenured employees.

We are looking for enthusiastic high-level candidates with a MSc degree preferably in engineering and life sciences. He or she should be interested in quantitative methods, modelling, and data integration (multi-omics) and analysis, with affinity for cancer biology and immunology. Interest in wet lab is a plus.

Additionally, the candidates should show:

A strong education track-record.

Excellent analytical and organisational skills.

Ability to write computer code and organise data.

Strong communication skills, including proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Affinity for working in an interdisciplinary and highly international environment.

We offer: 

A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious university.

Support with your personal development and career planning.

A full-time employment for 4 years at Eindhoven University of Technology. Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2222 per month initially, to € 2840 in the fourth year.

An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year bonus (8,3% in December), an extra holiday allowance (8% in May), moving expenses and excellent sports facilities.