PhD at Erasmus MC, Netherlands | Molecular Detection of MBL | Apply Online & Start Earning €3,217

Combine molecular laboratory research with statistical programming to investigate the early development of lymphoid malignancies. This PhD Erasmus MC opportunity focuses on molecular detection of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), bringing together immunogenetics, proteomics and international collaboration through a project funded by the US National Institutes of Health.

  • Institution: Erasmus MC

  • Position: PhD Candidate – Molecular Detection of MBL

  • Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

  • Department: Immunology

  • Research Group: Molecular Immunodiagnostics

  • Vacancy Number: 4174

About The Organisation

Erasmus MC is an internationally leading academic hospital in Rotterdam and a recognised scientific research organisation. Its work aims to understand, predict, treat and prevent disease, supported by access to advanced equipment and research techniques.

The position sits within the Laboratory for Medical Immunology, which combines expert immunological diagnostics with translational and fundamental research.

PhD Erasmus MC: Research Project

The NIH-funded project, “Molecular detection of MBL and enhanced risk stratification through immunogenetic and proteomic profiling,” investigates alternatives to flow cytometry for identifying MBL, a precursor state to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Flow cytometry requires viable blood cells, limiting its use in large existing cohorts. The project will compare immunogenetic and proteomic approaches with this gold-standard method to support molecular detection at scale.

As part of this PhD Erasmus MC project, the candidate will be primarily responsible for B-cell receptor repertoire sequencing of approximately 3,000 Mayo Clinic Biobank participants and analysis of the immunogenetics and proteomics datasets.

Key Research Responsibilities

  • Apply advanced statistical methods to identify and validate molecular markers for MBL.

  • Compare molecular detection approaches with flow cytometry.

  • Analyse immunogenetic and proteomic datasets.

  • Integrate findings with single-cell sequencing data and genetic risk factors for lymphoid malignancies.

  • Collaborate with fellow PhD students and international research partners.

  • Publish findings and present results at international conferences.

Research Team and International Collaboration

You will join the Molecular Immunodiagnostics group, led by Prof. Anton W. Langerak, who will serve as promotor. Dr Martijn Kolijn, a molecular epidemiologist studying cancer development, will provide daily supervision and serve as co-promotor.

The group includes an assistant professor, three other PhD students and seven technicians.

International collaborators include:

  • Dr Susan Slager, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

  • Dr Tait Shanafelt, Stanford University.

Qualifications and Skills

Applicants should have:

  • An MSc in Immunology, Hematology, Oncology or a related discipline.

  • Molecular laboratory experience, such as PCR or ELISA.

  • Experience with statistical programming in R, Python or similar tools.

  • Experience and/or an interest in cancer research.

  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

  • Good English communication skills.

Experience analysing high-throughput molecular data—including genetics, proteomics or single-cell sequencing—is highly valued but not required.

Salary and Benefits

The four-year appointment offers a gross monthly salary of €3,217 in year 1, increasing to €4,077 in year 4, based on a 36-hour working week.

Additional terms include:

  • A 3.5% salary increase from May 2027 under the collective labour agreement.

  • A 13th-month payment in November.

  • An individual travel expense package.

  • International Office support for arrival and stay.

  • ABP pension, with the employer paying approximately two-thirds of the contribution.

  • Access to an in-company physiotherapist, bicycle repairer and gym.

Additional Information

  • Duration: Four years, temporary

  • Working Hours: 36 hours per week

  • Gross Monthly Salary: €3,217 in year 1, rising to €4,077 in year 4

  • Salary Scale: OIO

  • Application Deadline: 24 November 2026

For MSc graduates in immunology, hematology or oncology who enjoy combining molecular lab work with statistical analysis, this NIH-funded PhD at Erasmus MC is a strong opportunity to work on early detection of a leukemia precursor alongside experts from Mayo Clinic and Stanford University. Prepare your application early and apply before the closing date.

APPLY ONLINE HERE