Jobid=635756945732470931 (0.0498)
Would you like to work on an innovative lung-on-chip model to combat respiratory virus infections? In the Department of Viroscience, you will participate in groundbreaking experimental research as part of a multidisciplinary team!
Job description
As a PhD student on the ALIVE project, you will contribute to the development of an innovative Lung-on-Chip model to study respiratory virus infections and the immune responses targeting them. Your work will primarily involve experimental laboratory research with unique human-derived materials, respiratory viruses, and state-of-the-art techniques.
You will culture human airway epithelium on the Lung-on-Chip model, integrate immune cells, and subsequently study viral infections, virus–immune interactions, and antiviral interventions. In doing so, you will contribute to the development of improved models for investigating new treatments against respiratory virus infections, ultimately helping to translate these treatments to patients more quickly.
In addition to conducting experiments, you will analyze and interpret data and report your findings in scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. You will work within a multidisciplinary team and in close collaboration with Mimetas BV, the developer of the Lung-on-Chip platform. Throughout the project, you will receive day-to-day supervision from a postdoctoral researcher working on the research project.
Work environment
You will join a research group of approximately 15-20 researchers studying interactions between respiratory viruses and the immune system. The team consists of researchers at different stages of their careers, including group leaders, research technicians, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and bachelor’s and master’s students.
Everyone has their own research project, but we work closely together: knowledge and techniques are shared, and we support one another during large experiments. We celebrate our successes together and organize an annual group outing.
Our research group is part of the Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC, an internationally oriented department at the forefront of clinical and fundamental virology research. You will therefore work in an environment with extensive expertise in virology. This provides excellent opportunities to learn from colleagues while also giving you the freedom to develop your own research and expertise.
Qualifications and skills
We are looking for a meticulous, persistent, and eager-to-learn PhD student who is motivated by experimental discoveries in virology and immunology. You have a proactive attitude and the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic nature of laboratory work.
- A completed master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, or a directly related scientific discipline.
- Relevant laboratory experience gained during internships, with experience in organoids, iPSCs, or advanced cell culture considered a strong advantage.
- A strong interest in virology, immunology, and the development of innovative animal-free model systems.
- Excellent collaboration skills and a willingness to actively contribute to joint experiments within the research team.
- A careful and flexible approach to work, with perseverance when facing experimental challenges and an understanding that occasional flexibility in working hours may be required.
Terms of employment
- You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
- The gross monthly salary is € 3.217,- in the 1st year and it gradually increases to € 4.077,- in the 4th year (scale OiO) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours.
- A salary increase of 3,5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
- Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
- An International Office which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay.
- Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
- Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.
More information
Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.
Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out toDr. Rory de Vries or Dr. Rik de Swart, both Associate Professors and Group Leaders within the Department of Viroscience via r.d.devries@erasmusmc.nl and r.deswart@erasmusmc.nl.
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