Develop AI-driven mechanistic computational models of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and Richter syndrome.

You will develop and apply an innovative AI-driven 3D spheroid model to recreate the tumour microenvironment (TME) observed in vitro to enable more physiologically realistic drug testing and therapy prediction. As a PhD candidate, you are expected to bring your own creativity to the challenge: How can image-based AI analysis reveal drug effects? How can mechanistic computational models develo on spheroid morphology predict which treatment will work for which patient?

You will be supported by experimental and clinical data using cutting-edge infrastructure including IncuCyte live-cell imaging, single-cell RNAseq, flow cytometry, and an access to the Dutch National Supercomputing facility Snellius to perform all the computational work.

Your tasks and responsibilities include:

• Developing, optimising, and computationally characterising 3D primary spheroid models for MCL, DLBCL, and Richter syndrome using patient samples from in-house biobanks.
• Implementing and fine-tuning state-of-the-art AI image segmentation models for automated analysis of spheroid morphology and drug-induced structural changes.
• Building and refining the computational analysis pipeline: from image preprocessing and feature extraction (spheroid size, cell cluster count, area distribution, inter-cluster distance) to cellular Potts model (CPM) simulations of spheroid growth and drug responses.
• Integrating multi-modal data streams, such as live-cell imaging, bulk and single-cell RNAseq, and flow cytometry, into a unified predictive framework.
• Mechanistically connect in vitro drug response profiles with clinical patient characteristics to develop and validate a patient-specific treatment outcome prediction models.
• Presenting your findings at national and international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to teaching and the broader scientific activities of both research groups.
• Co-supervising Bachelor, Master students and teaching assistance where appropriate.

We are looking for someone who is genuinely excited about computational biology and not afraid of challenges. When the data or model outputs do not make any sense, you dig deeper! You communicate openly and thrive in a collaborative environment across different disciplines.

Your experience and profile (below are examples, you don’t need to use them):

• MSc degree in computational science, (bio)medical sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related field with strong biological content.
• Interest in cancer biology and/or haematology.
• Affinity for quantitative data analysis. Programming experience in Python is an advantage but not a prerequisite. You are expected to develop these skills during the PhD.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Willingness to engage across disciplinary boundaries from experimental work to segmentation algorithms with computer scientists.

It is a preference if you additionally have experience in performing interdisciplinary research together with another scientific specialty, or prior experience in machine learning/image analysis in a biological context.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is 01 September 2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.