Key Skills

Job Description

About Your Role Research into tuberculosis and leprosy is at the heart of this PhD project within the group ‘Immunodiagnostics of (myco)bacterial infectious diseases’. It combines cellular immunology, molecular biology, and translational applications aimed at developing immunodiagnosticrapid tests. You will work on identifying host biomarkers that contribute to improved early diagnosis, treatment, and transmission monitoring of infectious diseases in endemic regions. The projects are conducted within an international network of researchers and clinicians and combine scientific research with training and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries. Your Main Responsibilities Include Identifying proteomic and transcriptomic, biomarkers for leprosy using advanced exploratory technologies. Performing immunological and molecular experiments, including extensive immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, mycobacterial growth inhibition assays and multiplex qPCR. Developing and evaluating immunodiagnostic multi-biomarker rapid tests for diagnosis, disease prediction, treatment- and transmission monitoring for leprosy and tuberculosis. About Your Workplace The Department of LUCID at LUMC is a renowned center of expertise. It provides clinical care for both inpatients and outpatients, delivers modern education, and conducts innovative fundamental, translational, and clinical research in the field of infectious diseases, aiming for excellence in each of these areas. About You Curiosity about poverty associated, infectious diseases and motivation to contribute to international research form an important foundation for this position. You are able to work independently while also enjoying collaboration with other PhD candidates, research technicians, and postdoctoral researchers within a dynamic research group. Accuracy is central to your way of working, and you can communicate complex research findings clearly. With your analytical mindset and enthusiasm, you actively contribute to innovative research projects. In Addition, You Have A completed Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline. Experience with immunological techniques such as ELISA and sterile cell culture (BSL I or II). Experience with molecular techniques, including qPCR. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Experience with bioinformatics and/or the analysis of large and complex datasets (e.g. RNA Seq) is a strong advantage. Our offer Driven by health; that is our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive for a safe, inclusive, and equitable working environment in which talent development and supportive leadership are key priorities. To support continuous learning and development, we offer internal training and educational opportunities. In addition, you are entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, bicycle scheme, sports budget, work-from-home allowance, and an excellent commuting reimbursement scheme. As an employee of LUMC, you will also be enrolled in the ABP pension fund. This means that as much as 70% of your pension contribution is paid by LUMC, allowing you to retain more of your net salary. A welcome benefit indeed. See all employment conditions of the LUMC. What do we represent? As an academic medical center, LUMC strives for a workforce that reflects the diversity of society. We are committed to the highest standards in healthcare, education, and (international) research, recognizing that diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also one of our core values: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to be a creative and inspiring workplace where everyone feels at home, safe, and valued. At LUMC, it is about who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work towards a sustainable and inclusive future for the people around us and the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC. More information As a dedicated PhD Student, your salary will range from €3,317 to €4,077 gross per month (scale PRO, Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers). These amounts are based on a full-time appointment. A salary increase of 3.5% will take effect on 1 May 2027. This is a PhD position with a fixed-term appointment for the duration of the PhD project. The intended start date for the PhD project is between December 2026 and January 2027. The recruitment process consists of several stages. Detailed information about the procedure will be provided at a later stage. This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In accordance with LUMC policy, internal candidates will be given preference in the event of equal suitability. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Core Responsibilities

Identify proteomic and transcriptomic biomarkers for leprosy using exploratory technologies and conduct immunological and molecular experiments, including flow cytometry, mycobacterial growth inhibition assays, and multiplex qPCR. Develop and evaluate multi-biomarker rapid tests for diagnosing and monitoring leprosy and tuberculosis, including disease prediction, treatment, and transmission monitoring.

Requirements

Applicants must have a completed master's degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline, experience with immunological techniques such as ELISA and sterile cell culture, and experience with molecular techniques including qPCR. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required; experience in bioinformatics or analysis of large, complex datasets such as RNA-Seq is an advantage.

Benefits

• End-of-year bonus
• Holiday allowance
• Bicycle scheme
• Sports budget
• Work-from-home allowance
• Commuting reimbursement
• ABP pension fund
• Internal training and educational opportunities