PhD student Immunology & Virology

Functiebeschrijving

• Design and conduct experiments using human adipose tissue and experimental influenza infection models.
• Investigate viral infection and replication in adipose tissue from individuals with different metabolic profiles.
• Characterise local immune and inflammatory responses using molecular, cellular and immunological techniques, and compare them across metabolic health status and adipose-tissue location.
• Integrate virological, immunological and metabolic data to identify mechanisms of susceptibility or resilience to severe infection.
• Collaborate closely with researchers and clinicians across the team.
• Present your findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Wat vragen wij

You are an enthusiastic, curious researcher with a strong interest in virology and immunology and in how host biology shapes susceptibility to infectious disease. You enjoy hands-on laboratory work, reading scientific literature, are eager to develop new skills, and thrive in an international, collaborative setting. A good sense of humour will help you feel at home in our team.

You also bring:

• a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, biomolecular sciences or a related discipline, candidates close to completing their degree are encouraged to apply;
• a strong background in virology, immunology or a closely related field;
• experience with relevant laboratory techniques such as mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, immunological assays, flow cytometry and/or virological methods, preferably at BSL-2 level;
• a willingness to be trained for and to work with respiratory viruses at Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3);
• the ability to plan, perform, critically evaluate and troubleshoot experiments;
• the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary, international team;
• excellent written and spoken communication skills in English;

Experience with primary human cells or tissues, respiratory viruses and/or adipose-tissue research is an advantage but not essential.

Wat bieden wij

A four-year PhD position in a dynamic, international research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a structured training and supervision programme through the UMCG graduate school.This is a full-time appointment (36 hours), your salary will be a maximum of € 4.077,- gross per month (scale PRO), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. Additionally, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus.The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). Preferred starting date: 15 November 2026 (and no later than 7 January 2027).

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