Overview
Cancer and neurological diseases pose major challenges to modern healthcare. Despite their apparent differences, these conditions share striking cellular-level similarities, including altered cell–cell communication, immune involvement, and high inter-patient heterogeneity. Epidemiological studies even suggest inverse relationships between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, hinting at shared—but counteracting—biological mechanisms that remain largely unexplored.
TU Delft, as a key partner in the national ADORE programme, offers two fully funded PhD positions focused on developing innovative computational and AI-based approaches to uncover these mechanisms. PhD candidates will work closely with experimental and clinical partners to translate computational insights into biological and clinical understanding.
Research Focus
The projects aim to develop advanced computational methods for analyzing large-scale, multimodal biomedical data—including single-cell and spatial omics, imaging, and clinical datasets. Key objectives include modeling cellular heterogeneity, mapping cell–cell interactions in diseased tissue, and identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Key Research Topics:
- Multimodal data integration for single-cell and spatial omics
- Deep learning and representation learning to model cellular states and interactions
- Explainable AI for biomarker discovery and patient stratification
- Cross-disease modeling to uncover shared mechanisms in cancer and neurological disorders
The primary emphasis is on method development, guided by real-world biological and clinical questions arising from the ADORE consortium.
Methodological Approach
Candidates will develop and apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, including deep learning, representation learning, variational autoencoders, and graph-based models. A strong focus on explainable AI and biologically informed modeling ensures that computational discoveries can be translated into actionable biological and clinical insights.
Environment and Training
PhD candidates will join a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, working with experts in oncology, neurology, cell biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research. Access to unique datasets, cutting-edge computational infrastructure, and structured methodological support will foster impactful research. The ADORE programme encourages cross-disciplinary learning, international collaboration, and engagement with clinically relevant research.
Candidate Profile
We seek highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree in computer science, AI, data science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field, and a strong interest in biomedical applications. Experience in machine learning, statistics, or high-dimensional biological data analysis is advantageous. Ideal candidates are curious, independent, and excited to tackle complex, interdisciplinary research questions.
Job requirements
- Master's degree in computational biology, machine learning, bioinformatics, AI, or a related field
- Strong background in machine learning and data analysis
- Interest in single-cell omics, spatial data, and data integration
- Intellectual curiosity, independence, and motivation to tackle open-ended problems with real-world impact
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Passion for using AI to answer fundamental questions in biology and medicine
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Conditions of employment
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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Additional information
These PhD positions are hosted by the Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Computer Science, TU Delft, under the supervision of Prof. Marcel Reinders (m.j.t.reinders@tudelft.nl) and Ahmed Mahfouz, Leiden University Medical Center (a.mahfouz@lumc.nl), in close collaboration with ADORE scientists across the Netherlands.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 9 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts
- A cover letter summarizing: Why the applicant wants the position; Why the project is of interest; Evidence of suitability for the position; What the applicant hopes to gain from the position
You can address your application to Prof. Marcel Reinders and Ahmed Mahfouz.
Applications must be submitted online. Pre-employment screening may be required as part of the selection procedure. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed.
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.
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