Research Scientist - Immunotherapy in Gastrointestinal Tumors

Do you want to contribute to the future of cancer treatment with immunotherapy? In the research group of Dr. Myriam Chalabi, you will work on the NICHE and NEOASIS studies, in which neoadjuvant immunotherapy is being investigated for various types of cancer. You will combine patient contact with translational research into the tumor microenvironment and work for four years on a challenging research project, which will culminate in a PhD.

Immunotherapy has changed the treatment of many types of cancer in a short time. Recent studies have shown that immunotherapy treatment is effective at an early stage of various types of cancer. Dr. Myriam Chalabi's group is among the pioneers in the field of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

In addition to the directly visible clinical outcomes in patients, the research is also focused on translational research to further improve immunotherapy. In the laboratory, we work closely with immunologists, biologists, and bioinformaticians to better understand the interaction between cancer cells and various immune cells. In this way, we aim to better understand the underlying mechanisms and find biomarkers to enable more personalized treatment.

In Myriam Chalabi's group, various clinical and translational studies are conducted, all involving immunotherapy, whether or not in combination with chemotherapy. Projects you will work on as a researcher include the NICHE studies, in which immunotherapy is investigated in patients with colorectal cancer; and the NEOASIS study, a platform consisting of multiple studies with neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with various types of cancer. In the NEOASIS study, among others, rectal cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal/stomach cancer are treated.

You will work in a dynamic environment in a close-knit group with various clinical PhD students, bioinformaticians, and nurse practitioners. Your work includes patient contact and translational research. Through the translational research for these studies, we investigate the changes in the tumor microenvironment after treatment with immunotherapy, in order to set up better and more targeted follow-up studies.

At the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, we all commit to the same goal: the best care for every patient and every type of cancer. That is no small feat. But not impossible. Here, science and care work together on innovation. Time and again, we find new ways that help people with cancer worldwide. Here we save lives, we win time and quality.

Do you recognize yourself in the profile below and does this challenge appeal to you? Then we would love to meet you!

• You are a medical doctor;

• You are curious, enthusiastic, and proactive;

• You have an affinity for clinical and translational research;

• You can work independently, but also function well within a multidisciplinary team;

• You possess good social and communication skills;

• You have a good command of the Dutch language.

The basis for your terms of employment is in accordance with the Cao Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). You will receive from us:

• A contract for 4 years, for 36 hours per week; 

• A gross monthly salary between € 4,346 and € 4,914, based on a 36-hour work week, in accordance with the Clinical OIO scale and depending on your experience;

• 144 vacation hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Stage Budget, based on full-time employment;

• An annual 8.33% holiday allowance and a fixed year-end bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of € 0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, but with our bicycle scheme and discounts on public transport, we also make it attractive for you to leave the car behind;

• A great opportunity in a specialized hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncological expertise, skills, and personal development;

• Opportunities to exercise at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association and Young AVL: associations that organize sporting, cultural, and creative activities and events;

• An employer contribution of 50% towards your pension at Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn and collective discounts with health insurers IZZ, Zorg en Zekerheid, and Zilveren Kruis.

We are curious about your talent. Will you make the difference in the world of cancer? Apply quickly via the application button and add your CV, motivation letter, and references to the form! Please note: you can upload a maximum of 2 documents, so add your references to your CV or motivation letter.

Substantive questions about the vacancy? Myriam Chalabi, internist-oncologist, will be happy to answer them via m.chalabi@nki.nl.
For questions about the application procedure, please contact Daphne Heemskerk, Recruiter, via d.heemskerk@nki.nl.

The vacancy is open for applications until Friday, November 6, 2026.

A reference check is part of the application procedure.