PhD Candidate Rheumatology

About your role

As a PhD candidate in Rheumatology, you investigate autoantibody profiles in circulation of patients with rheumatic diseases and study how they relate to disease characteristics. You focus on the temporal dynamics of these autoantibodies, with particular attention to autoreactive B cells and ACPA, and you collaborate closely with the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM) to analyse their properties using mass spectrometry. This research project gives you the opportunity to explore how autoantibody profiles evolve over time and what these changes may mean for disease activity and disease progression.

Your main tasks include:

• Studying the dynamics of autoantibody profiles in the circulation of individuals with rheumatic diseases.
• Investigating how changes in these profiles relate to disease activity and disease progression.
• Performing experiments and mass spectrometry–based analyses in collaboration with the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics.
• Isolating and characterising autoantibodies using state-of-the-art

This project is carried out through close collaboration between the Department of Rheumatology and the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, where you will work with advanced technologies and expertise in the field of mass spectrometry.

About your workplace

The Department of Rheumatology at the LUMC is a EULAR Centre of Excellence, where we characterise the pathogenesis and treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The Experimental Rheumatology laboratory comprises around 35 enthusiastic postdocs, PhD candidates and analysts, forming a vibrant research community in which fundamental and clinical research are closely intertwined. You will also collaborate intensively with the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM), an internationally oriented research center that develops advanced analytical technologies for the study of complex biological materials.

Working within this department means becoming part of a dedicated and collegial research group where collaboration and scientific curiosity are central. You will work daily with researchers from multiple disciplines, continually encountering new techniques, perspectives and areas of expertise. The short lines of communication between clinic and laboratory create a dynamic environment in which the impact of research is tangible. At the CPM, you will have access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and guidance from experts who are internationally recognised as leaders in the field.

About you

You enjoy diving deeply into complex research questions and actively seek collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. You think critically about experimental design, adjust research plans when needed and strive for precise, reproducible results. Your curiosity drives you to explore both immunological processes and analytical techniques, and you navigate easily within a dynamic research environment.

Additionally, you have:

• An MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, (Bio-)Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry or a related field.
• Demonstrable interest in immunology and mass spectrometry.
• Practical experience with immunological and/or analytical methods, preferably mass spectrometry, chromatography or related techniques.
• Motivation to further develop your expertise in mass spectrometry.

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 PhD candidate, your salary ranges from a minimum of € 3,108 to a maximum of € 3,939 (scale Pro, CAO UMC). These figures are based on full-time employment.
• The procedure involves several stages. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Giving a presentation is part of the application procedure.
• References may be requested for this vacancy.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.