Key Skills

Job Description

About Your Role The main focus of this research project is the further development of an advanced human Lung-on-Chip model. You will work on improving the model's robustness, reproducibility and biological relevance. Your research will also explore sex-related differences and the integration of immune responses. By developing carefully validated models, you will contribute to preclinical and translational research and the development of new medicines. Your Main Responsibilities Include Optimizing and benchmarking the Lung-on-Chip model, focusing on model quality, reproducibility and biological relevance. Isolating, culturing and characterizing primary human lung cells, including epithelial, endothelial, stromal and immune cell populations. Investigating biological variation, including sex-related differences, and integrating immune responses into the model. Collaborating with academic and industry partners to translate innovative lung models into practical research and industrial applications. Throughout the project, you will work with complex experimental workflows while maintaining high quality standards. This will enable you to generate reliable research data that contribute to the further development and applicability of human lung models. About Your Workplace The Department of Pulmonology at LUMC is a clinical department primarily focused on thoracic oncology and regenerative medicine. Its scientific research aims to achieve international impact by integrating clinical human research with fundamental scientific research, using advanced cell culture models. The PulmoScience Lab is the research laboratory of the Department of Pulmonology. The team consists of approximately 10 to 15 members, including students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and Assistant Professors, and is led by dr. Anne van der Does. About You With a curious and research-oriented mindset, you enjoy exploring complex questions in respiratory research. You work accurately and independently, taking responsibility for the quality and reliability of research data. You also enjoy collaborating with colleagues, sharing knowledge and continuously looking for opportunities to improve research methods and models. In Addition, You Have A completed PhD in a relevant field. Experience in isolating and culturing primary human cells from tissue. An interest in respiratory research and advanced cell culture systems. Preferably, experience with Organ-on-Chip technology and/or investigating sex-related differences. Our offer Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right? See all employment conditions of the LUMC. What do we represent? As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have a workforce that is a good reflection of society. We are committed to the highest quality in health care, education and (international) research, in which diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: 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 place to work, where everyone feels at home, safe and valued. It's all about who you are and what you bring to contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work toward a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC. More information As a dedicated postdoctoral researcher in Pulmonology, your gross monthly salary will range from € 3.724,- to € 5.867,- (salary scale 10, Collective Labour Agreement for University Medical Centres). These amounts are based on full-time employment. A salary increase of 3.5% will take effect on 1 May 2027. The position will start no earlier than January 2027. This is a fixed-term appointment for 30 months, covering the duration of the project. The application process consists of several stages. Further details about the selection procedure will be provided during the recruitment process. This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In accordance with LUMC policy, internal candidates will be given priority in the selection process when qualifications are equal. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Core Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and benchmark a human Lung-on-Chip model to improve its robustness, reproducibility, and biological relevance. Isolate and characterize primary human lung cells, investigate sex-related variation and immune responses, and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance translational applications.

Requirements

A completed PhD in a relevant field and experience isolating and culturing primary human cells from tissue are required. Applicants should be interested in respiratory research and advanced cell culture systems; experience with Organ-on-Chip technology or sex-related research is preferred.

Benefits

• End-of-year bonus
• Holiday allowance
• Sports budget
• Bicycle scheme
• Home office allowance
• Commuting allowance
• Pension plan
• Training and development