PhD position: Investigating Nanoparticulate Vaccine Behaviour in RA

17 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Are you interested in immunological research at the boundary of fundamental and translational research? Do you want to contribute to novel therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? And at the same time develop your teaching skills? We offer a PhD position in our enthusiastic team of researchers!

Your job
Current therapeutic approaches for RA often rely on broad immune suppression. While effective in managing symptoms, this hampers crucial immune responses including vaccine efficacy. Our research indicates that vaccination with antigen-carrying nanoparticles holds promise for long-term RA relief. In this PhD project, you will spearhead the translation of this approach to human patients, investigating how nanoparticulate vaccines interact with RA patient material, considering factors like disease state and medication impact. Your findings will be pivotal in predicting vaccine safety and efficacy for future clinical trials.

The team, led by Professor Femke Broere , has many years of experience in studying RA and is at the forefront of novel therapies to treat this disease. Embedded in the Immunology group of the division of Infectious diseases & Immunology , we are an international team of researchers working on a wide range of topics, including veterinary and human immunology and vaccines. As a team, we prioritise effective collaboration, ongoing feedback, and both professional and personal development.

This appointment is for five years, with a commitment of 20% to teaching. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct cutting-edge research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and actively engage in the academic community.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or similar.
• You have affinity (and preferably experience) with human cell culture and immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry).
• Article 9 animal science certification is a benefit.
• You are an independent person with good communication skills who can quickly take control over your project.
• You have strong proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a position for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to five years in total;
• a working week of 32 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under 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 employment conditions based on the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities.

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 .

Selection process

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.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Dr Naomi Benne via [email protected] or Professor Femke Broere via [email protected] .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/340287/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CL

Street

Yalelaan 1

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/340287/phd-position-investigating-nanoparti…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED