Project Overview
About the Position
Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position within the CUE-CAN project on the environmental causes of childhood and early-onset cancer. The project studies how environmental exposures early in life relate to the risk of childhood and early-onset cancers, using large-scale registries, geospatial exposure data and modern epidemiological methods.
The doctoral candidate will design and run analyses linking population registries with environmental exposure models, contribute to study protocols and data infrastructure, and publish on exposure-outcome associations. The position sits within the university's strong epidemiology environment and is a salaried four-year track under the CAO-NU collective agreement.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, biomedical sciences, environmental science or a related quantitative discipline. Skills in statistical programming and register-based research are important; affinity with environmental health questions is essential. The working language is English, and the supervisory team spans paediatric oncology epidemiology and environmental health.
Highlights
- Environmental exposures and cancer risk
- Register-based and geospatial epidemiology
- Exposure modelling and data linkage
- Childhood and early-onset cancer aetiology
- Large-scale population data analysis
- Salaried four-year PhD under the CAO-NU agreement
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale) |
| Duration | Four years |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in epidemiology, public health, biomedical or environmental science |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 13 November 2026 |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a leading Dutch research university, consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. Its research and teaching span four faculties and a broad range of strategic themes, including sustainability, dynamics of youth, institutions for open societies and life sciences. PhD candidates and postdocs in the Netherlands are salaried staff members with full employment benefits under the CAO-NU collective agreement, so advertised positions are fully funded. Academic and support vacancies are published on the university's working-at portal, with clear deadlines and application instructions per position.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 13 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 13 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
Official Link
https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs/finding-the-environmental-causes-of-childhood-and-early-onset-cancer-cue-can
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 14 November 2026 (13 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Utrecht University.
How do I apply for PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands are submitted directly to Utrecht University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD: Environmental Causes of Childhood & Early-Onset Cancer (CUE-CAN) - Utrecht University, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a leading Dutch research university, consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. Its research and teaching span four faculties and a broad range of strategic themes, including sustainability, dynamics of youth, institutions for open societies and life sciences. PhD candidates and postdocs in the Netherlands are salaried staff members with full employment benefits under the CAO-NU collective agreement, so advertised positions are fully funded. Academic and support vacancies are published on the university's working-at portal, with clear deadlines and application instructions per position.
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