PhD candidate REGAIN study into clitoris reconstruction after vulvar cancer

Do you want to research how we can improve the quality of life and sexual health of women after vulvar cancer? And do you want to work at the intersection of gynecological oncology, plastic surgery, and patient-centered care?

Within Radboudumc, we are starting the national REGAIN study into clitoris reconstruction after vulvar cancer. For this study, the departments of Gynecological Oncology and Plastic Surgery are jointly seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate for a full four-year doctoral trajectory.

What will you be doing?
As a PhD candidate, you will receive a central role in the execution and coordination of REGAIN. Working from Radboudumc, you will collaborate closely with gynecological oncologists, plastic surgeons, and researchers from all nine Dutch centers for gynecological oncology.

What will you be researching?
Approximately 450 women in the Netherlands are diagnosed with vulvar cancer annually. For a portion of them, partial or complete removal of the clitoris is necessary, with potential consequences for sexual function, body image, and quality of life. Clitoris reconstruction is currently not among the standard treatment options.

A new technique for clitoris reconstruction has been developed within Radboudumc. The first results are promising. With REGAIN, we are now researching and implementing this technique nationally in all nine Dutch centers for gynecological oncology.

REGAIN is an international multicenter, prospective stepped-wedge study, in which centers transition in phases from standard care to a phase in which women are given the choice between standard wound closure and clitoris reconstruction. The primary outcome is sexual function (FSFI). Additionally, we are researching, among other things, clitoral sensitivity, quality of life, body image, and surgical and oncological outcomes. Qualitative interviews will map out the experiences of patients and professionals, decision-making, and the national implementation. In parallel, we are developing and implementing a patient decision aid to support shared decision-making.

A doctoral trajectory between two disciplines
You will receive joint supervision from Gynecological Oncology and Plastic Surgery at Radboudumc and will work together with professionals from all participating centers. Consequently, your research is located at the intersection of oncological and reconstructive surgery, sexual health, and quality of life.

REGAIN is focused on national implementation from the start. At the same time, REGAIN is building the first large international dataset on clitoris reconstruction after vulvar cancer.

Your responsibilities include, among other things:

• Preparing and coordinating the multicenter study;
• Screening, inclusion, and follow-up of patients;
• Analyzing and interpreting clinical and patient-reported outcomes;
• Conducting qualitative interviews with patients and healthcare professionals;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of a decision aid;
• Researching the implementation of clitoris reconstruction in the participating centers;
• Presenting results at national and international congresses;
• Writing scientific publications and a dissertation.

You will receive joint supervision from Gynecological Oncology and Plastic Surgery at Radboudumc and will work together with professionals from all participating centers. Consequently, your research is located at the intersection of oncological and reconstructive surgery, sexual health, and quality of life.

REGAIN is focused on national implementation from the start. At the same time, REGAIN is building the first large international dataset on clitoris reconstruction after vulvar cancer.

We are looking for someone who becomes enthusiastic about clinical research, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

• A completed university degree, for example in Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences, or a similar relevant degree;
• Interest in gynecological oncology, plastic surgery, and/or sexual health;
• Affinity with patient-centered scientific research;
• Good communicative and organizational skills;
• An independent, accurate, and proactive way of working;
• Excellent command of the Dutch and English languages.

Experience with clinical research, statistics, qualitative research, or multicenter studies is a plus, but not a requirement. More important to us is that you are curious, take initiative, collaborate easily with different disciplines, and are motivated to truly become the owner of REGAIN for four years.

What do we offer?
You will get the opportunity to carry out a full, KWF-funded, four-year doctoral trajectory within a unique national multicenter study. Working from Gynecological Oncology and Plastic Surgery at Radboudumc, you will collaborate with all nine Dutch centers for gynecological oncology.

• Scaling is dependent on previous education. For a medical doctor (completed Medicine degree), scale 10 applies. For other fields of study, scaling in scale 10A applies.
• The first interviews will take place on December 17, 2026. It would be good if you take this into account.
• Do you want to know more about this PhD position or about the REGAIN project? Please contact dr. Mieke ten Eikelder, gynecological oncologist or dr. Tim Nijhuis, plastic surgeon.
• A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position.

We are recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. We do not appreciate acquisition; however, sharing within your network is welcome.