PhD: Responsible Implementation and Scaling of Early Testing in Lynch Syndrome

Are you passionate about responsible innovation, prevention and healthcare? Do you want to contribute to the responsible implementation and scaling of tests targeted at early detecting hereditary cancer? And are interested to pursue this through engagement with many different stakeholders, specifically in the field of Lynch Syndrome?

Your job

This project is aimed at better understanding how innovations to test and early detect hereditary cancers can be implemented and scaled responsibly. The focus is on gaining insights into the broad societal impacts of liquid biopsy testing across European regions and on developing recommendations for implementing and upscaling these tests. The project is part of a European Horizon Mission research project called PREDI-LYNCH (‘Validated non-invasive liquid biopsy tests for cancer PREDIction in LYNCH Syndrome’) which brings together contributors from many countries and with different types of expertise. Therefore, you will design co-creation activities for stakeholders, you will engage with patient organisations and conduct ethnographic research in various European countries. Conceptually, you will engage with literature on values, responsible innovation, and scaling.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate responsible development, implementation and scaling of tests targeted at early detecting Lynch Syndrome. The project will involve from the beginning empirical qualitative research.

Key responsibilities include:

• participate in a collaborative, inter- and transdisciplinary research project;
• design and conduct qualitative, participatory research, including ethnographic methods;
• develop recommendations for (co-creating) responsible implementation and  scaling pathways for innovative early testing in hereditary cancer.

You will be working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including clinical researchers, patient representatives, cancer institutes, and others.

As a PhD you will have the opportunity to acquire and develop numerous research skills, by enrolling, for example, in the graduate training programme of the Netherlands Graduate Research School of Science, Technology, and Modern Culture (WTMC). You will also be part of a vibrant and supportive interdisciplinary, international community at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

Your qualities

• You are motivated and goal-oriented, eager to engage in interdisciplinary research.
• You hold a Master’s degree or are about to finish a Master in relevant fields such as science and technology studies (STS), transition studies, innovation studies, medical humanities, sociology, or a related social science discipline.
• You are interested in responsible innovation and scaling.
• You are interested in qualitative research approaches, including co-creation methods and ethnographic research.
• You have sharp analytical skills.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills in English, demonstrated through a writing example such as your Master's thesis.
• You are able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders (from citizens and patients to clinical researchers)
• You are interested in collaborating with societal partners as the research project proceeds.
• You are able and excited to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• You are willing to acquire new skills as required for the research of the PhD project.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• 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 has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

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.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr Susan van Hees at s.v.vanhees@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The first round of interviews will be held on 1 July 2025.

The application deadline is 23 June 2025.