Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Erasmus MC
- Department: Dermatology
- Research Field: Medical sciences
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 11 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Amsterdam)
- Country: Netherlands
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 36
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Nov 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Horizon Europe - MSCA
Offer Description
Supervisor: Dr. Loes Hollestein
Co-supervisors: Dr.Asier Antoranz, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Belgium (Academia);Dr.Marco Cassano, Lunaphore Technologies SA, Switzerland (Industry)
Project description:
DC15 will identify prognostic spatial multi-omics biomarkers in early-stage melanoma using the Dutch Early Stage-Melanoma (D-ESMEL) and Vitamin D supplementation in cutaneous malignant melanoma outcome (ViDMe) cohorts. The project will apply spatial multi-omics methods and computational tools to analyse tumour phenotypes, immune cell subsets and spatial interactions linked to metastasis risk. It pursues two integrated objectives: i) generate a spatial multi-omics atlas of Early-Stage Melanoma; ii) develop a prognostic single-cell/spatial model to guide risk stratification and follow-up.
At Erasmus MC, the candidate will analyse spatial multi-omics data from the D-ESMEL and ViDMe cohorts and validate prognostic findings across independent patient material. During a first secondment at Lunaphore, the candidate will work on panel reduction and IVDR-compliant assay development for top candidate markers. A second secondment at KU Leuven will support spatial biomarker translation and validation. Expected outcomes include: (1) a spatial multi-omics atlas of Early Stage Melanoma; and (2) a prognostic single-cell/spatial model guiding risk stratification and follow-up.
Host laboratory:
The PhD fellow will be based at Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, in the Department of Dermatology and, under the supervision of Dr. Loes Hollestein. Prof.dr. Tamar Nijsten, Prof.dr. Marlies Wakkee and dr. Loes Hollestein are leading the dermato-oncology group. The group closely collaborates with the Department of Pathology (dr. Antien Mooyaart) and it’s Clinical Bioinformatics Unit (dr. Yunlei Li). The host provides expertise in skin cancer epidemiology, dermatopathology, clinical pathology, computational pathology and melanoma progression research, with access to well-annotated Early Stage Melanoma cohorts and linked clinical data.
The host environment offers access to digital H&E slides, (spatial) multi-omics datasets, clinical metadata and bioinformatics expertise for prognostic modelling in melanoma. The candidate will benefit from Erasmus MC’s multidisciplinary skin cancer, pathology and clinical bioinformatics infrastructure, alongside collaboration with KU Leuven and Lunaphore for spatial biomarker translation, multiplex assay development and clinical validation
Secondments: This project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:
- 3 months at Lunaphore Technologies SA, Switzerland (supervisor: Dr.Marco Cassano)
- 6 months at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Belgium (supervisor: Dr.Asier Antoranz)
The SPACE-MEL Consortium: SPACE-MEL is an EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network advancing the next generation of spatial single-cell omics technologies for precision medicine. Bringing together leading European universities, technology providers, clinical partners and innovative companies, the programme will address key experimental and computational challenges currently limiting the clinical translation of spatial biology. By integrating multi-omics approaches, enabling the transition from 2D to 3D tissue analysis and developing advanced data interpretation methods, SPACE-MEL aims to unlock deeper insights into cellular organisation and disease mechanisms. The network will train 15 Doctoral Candidates (DC) through an interdisciplinary programme spanning spatial imaging technologies, molecular biology, computational biology, pathology and biomarker discovery. Through cross-sectoral secondments, hands-on research and comprehensive transferable-skills training, SPACE-MEL will equip a new generation of researchers with end-to-end expertise in spatial biology and strengthen Europe’s leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
What SPACE-MEL will offer
- A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
- The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
- A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
- The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
- A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
- A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.
Where to apply
E-mail: l.hollestein@erasmusmc.nl
Requirements
Research Field: Medical sciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Translational Medicine, or a related life sciences discipline.
- Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree.
- Mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date
Specific Requirements:
- Strong background and interest in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, translational research, or related biomedical fields.
- Experience with biological data interpretation, and/or analysis of molecular datasets is highly desirable.
- Basic experience with data analysis tools (e.g. R or Python) is an advantage, but extensive programming or bioinformatics expertise is not required.
- Enthusiasm for working at the interface of biology, medicine, and data science, in collaboration with computational experts within the consortium.
- Good communication skills are essential for collaborating with SPACE-MEL partners, colleagues within the Erasmus MC and other (inter)national collaborators.
- It is important that you can work both independently and as part of a team, and that you can handle situations with varying workloads.
- Proficiency in the English language is required both oral and written. Successful candidates will need to provide an English test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English). You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority native-English speaking country, or have qualifications / degree that has been taught and assessed in English. The supervisor may also confirm that a candidate has the required level of English.
Research Field: Medical sciences » Cancer research
Additional Information
Benefits:
- You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
- The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of €3.217 and a maximum of €4.077 (scale OIO).
- Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
- An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
- Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
- Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.
Eligibility criteria
- Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, (cancer) biology or related fields.
- Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree.
- Mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date.
Selection process
To apply to this vacancy, send the following documents per email to: l.hollestein@erasmusmc.nl
Required documents:
- Statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
- Curriculum vitae et studiorum.
- A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks).
- A final degree certificate translated in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they can submit it at the time of the examination. However, if successful, the candidate will be required to provide a translated and legalised certificate as proof of eligibility for doctoral admission.
A limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview and will be required to provide contact information of up to two contact person for reference letters.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Erasmus MC
Country: Netherlands
City: Rotterdam
Postal Code: 3015GD
Street: Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Contact
State/Province: Outside North America
City: Rotterdam
Website: https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/
Street: dr molewaterplein 40
Postal Code: 3015GD
E-Mail: l.hollestein@erasmusmc.nl
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