Cancer touches nearly every life. Across Europe, around one in two people will face a cancer diagnosis at some point, and behind every diagnosis are partners, parents, children, and friends whose lives are deeply affected as well. Yet most of our efforts still begin after cancer is diagnosed. What if we could understand its causes so well that we could prevent far more cases before they ever begin?
At the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) at Utrecht University, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who wants to help answer that question. Together with Dr Martijn Kolijn and Prof. Roel Vermeulen, you will investigate how environmental and lifestyle exposures the exposome shape cancer risk, often years before a tumour is ever found. By connecting molecular signals measured in blood long before diagnosis to the biology of the tumours that eventually appear, you will help build the evidence base for a more preventive, biology-driven approach to cancer one that could, over time, change how many lives this disease shapes.
This work sits at the intersection of molecular biology, epidemiology, and environmental health and is embedded in large international collaborations across Europe and the USA.
In this project, “Bridging the Molecular Biology and Epidemiology of Cancer Development”, you will:
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Contribute to large ongoing projects exploring cancer development, including ESCALATION, SPACETIME, DISCERN, and COVIDMETA;
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Analyse high-resolution mass spectrometry data (exogenous and endogenous metabolomics) and high-throughput targeted proteomics (Olink/SomaScan) from prospective population cohorts to characterise the internal exposome;
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Link molecular alterations observed in plasma years before cancer diagnosis to molecular signatures observed in tumour biopsies at diagnosis;
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Apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods to identify and validate environmental determinants of cancer risk;
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Link high-resolution exposome surfaces (from projects such as EXPANSE and EXPOSOME-NL) to large population cohorts;
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Integrate external (environmental) and internal (biological) exposome data to build a more complete picture of environmental contributions to cancer;
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Collaborate closely with colleagues within IRAS (Dr Martijn Kolijn and Prof. Roel Vermeulen) and at partner institutes across Europe and the USA;
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Share your findings through scientific publications and international conferences—and help translate them into insights that support cancer prevention.
You are a motivated and curious researcher with:
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A PhD in molecular biology, molecular (environmental) epidemiology, data science, or a related discipline;
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Strong quantitative and analytical skills;
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Experience with statistical programming in R or a similar language;
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Experience with, or a clear interest in, cancer research;
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Experience analysing molecular data such as metabolomics (preferably mass spectrometry–based) and high-throughput proteomics;
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Experience in, or interest in, environmental and health research, spatial data analysis, and exposome science—valued, but not a prerequisite;
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Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment;
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Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.
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a position for one year, with the possibility of extension up to a total of four years based on good performance;
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
You will be based at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), working within the One Health Chemical research line, led by Professor Roel Vermeulen. This multidisciplinary research line brings together several interconnected groups, including Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Planetary Health, the Data Science & Exposome Group, and Exposure Science — where this position will be based.
Our mission is to advance education and cutting-edge research to unravel the complex interactions between environmental factors — including chemical, social, physical-chemical, and lifestyle risk factors — and their effects on human and planetary health. By integrating multiple disciplines, we aim to transform scientific knowledge into actionable tools, insights, and solutions that promote sustainable well-being for individuals, communities, and ecosystems.
IRAS is an interfaculty research institute spanning the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. It is dedicated to education and research on the human and environmental health risks associated with exposure to potentially harmful agents. Our research is structured around three core domains: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology, and Veterinary Public Health.
For more information, please contact Dr Martijn Kolijn at [email protected] or Prof Roel Vermeulen at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, please apply via the ‘Apply now’ button. Please include:
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Your motivation letter;
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Your curriculum vitae;
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The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees.
The intended start date of the position is flexible, but no later than 1 October 2026.
If this opportunity is not for you, but you know someone who may be interested, please feel free to forward this vacancy to them.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
