Jobid=633000197133770504 (0.0993)
Join Erasmus MC and shape the future of precision medicine. As a PhD candidate in the EU-funded SPACE-MEL network, you will develop cutting-edge spatial multi-omics biomarkers and predictive models to improve outcomes for melanoma patients.
Job description
Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network SPACE-MEL
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 (DCs) 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.
Specific project description of Doctoral Candidate 15 (DC15)
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; and (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 cohorts. 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.
Work environment
As part of SPACE-MEL, you will benefit from:
- Comprehensive scientific training within an international doctoral training programme.
- Opportunities to participate in specialised international courses, workshops, and conferences.
- Active involvement in a European research project with strong international visibility.
- Opportunities to undertake research visits to internationally renowned research laboratories across Europe.
- A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
- A competitive salary, including mobility and family allowances.
Host laboratory
You will be based at Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, within the Department of Dermatology, under the supervision of Dr Loes Hollestein. The dermato-oncology group is led by Prof. Dr Tamar Nijsten, Prof. Dr Marlies Wakkee, and Dr Loes Hollestein. The group works in close collaboration with the Department of Pathology (Dr Antien Mooyaart) and its Clinical Bioinformatics Unit (Dr Yunlei Li).
The host team brings together expertise in skin cancer epidemiology, dermatopathology, clinical pathology, computational pathology, and melanoma progression research. You will have access to well-annotated early-stage melanoma cohorts and linked clinical data.
The research environment provides access to digital H&E slides, (spatial) multi-omics datasets, clinical metadata, and bioinformatics expertise for prognostic modelling in melanoma. You will benefit from Erasmus MC’s multidisciplinary infrastructure in skin cancer research, pathology, and clinical bioinformatics, as well as collaborations with KU Leuven and Lunaphore focused on spatial biomarker translation, multiplex assay development, and clinical validation.
Secondments
This project is conducted in close collaboration with the following partners. As part of the programme, you are expected to visit their laboratories during the project. Therefore, a willingness to travel and spend time abroad is essential.
- 3 months at Lunaphore Technologies SA, Switzerland (Supervisor: Dr Marco Cassano)
- 6 months at KU Leuven, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Belgium (Supervisor: Dr Asier Antoranz)
Qualifications and skills
To be successful in this PhD position, you should meet the following requirements:
Eligibility criteria
- You hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, (Cancer) Biology, or a related field.
- You are a doctoral candidate and do not already hold a PhD degree. Candidates who have successfully defended their PhD thesis but have not yet formally received their degree are also not eligible.
- You comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding your recruitment date.
- You meet any local admission and employment requirements of Erasmus MC and the recruiting institution.
Skills and experience
- You have hands-on experience with one or more of the following: R, Python, and/or command-line programming.
- You possess strong communication skills and enjoy working in an international research environment, collaborating with SPACE-MEL partners, colleagues at Erasmus MC, and other national and international collaborators.
- You are able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- You can effectively manage changing priorities and varying workloads.
Language requirements
- You have an excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
- If selected, you will be required to provide proof of English proficiency (for example IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English), unless you qualify for an exemption because:
- you are a national of a majority English-speaking country;
- you obtained a degree that was taught and assessed in English; or
- your supervisor confirms that you meet the required English language level.
Terms of employment
- A challenging position within the largest University Medical Center (UMC) in the Netherlands with high ambitions in the fields of healthcare, education, and research.
- A one-year contract with possibility of an extension conditioned on additional funding.
- The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.217,- and a maximum of € 4.077,- (Scale OIO, maximum step 4) with a full working week of 36 hours.
- A salary increase of 3,5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
- A position of 1 FTE based on a 36 hour work week.
- Excellent secondary conditions, such as a 13th month’s salary paid in November and a personal travel allowance.
- A pension insurance policy with the ABP. We pay approximately two-thirds of the monthly contribution.
More information
Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.
Do you have any questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to contact Dr. L.M. Hollestein, epidemiologist, via +31650032407 or e-mail l.hollestein@erasmusmc.nl.
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