PhD Candidate Rheumatology
You have 8 more days to apply
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About your role
As a PhD candidate, you will investigate the phenotype and function of autoreactive B cells in the tissue of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These cells play an important role in RA, as evidenced by the success of therapies that specifically target B cells. For the first time, you will characterize these cells in various tissues using techniques such as spectral flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, B cell repertoire analysis, and functional assays. You will uncover where the activation of these B cells takes place, through which routes this occurs, and how this activation might be inhibited.
Your core tasks include:
- Investigating autoreactive B cells in RA tissue using advanced immunological techniques.
- Analysing activation mechanisms and signalling pathways based on transcriptomic and functional data.
- Developing experimental strategies to inhibit the activation of these cells.
- Collaborating closely with researchers from both LUMC and Amsterdam UMC within a joint PhD track.
- Sharing your findings through scientific publications and (inter)national presentations.
This project is funded by ZonMW. You will conduct your research at LUMC under the supervision of experienced researchers, in close collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Amsterdam UMC. There, a second PhD candidate in the group of Prof. Sander Tas will work on a complementary part of the project.
About your workplace
At the Department of Rheumatology – a EULAR Centre of Excellence – we study the pathogenesis and treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The Laboratory for Experimental Rheumatology consists of around 35 enthusiastic postdocs, PhD candidates and analysts. The outpatient clinic and the research laboratory work closely together to integrate fundamental and clinical research as much as possible. This research is part of a recently awarded ZonMW project, conducted in close collaboration with Amsterdam UMC.
About you
You are motivated to contribute to fundamental research on B cell responses in tissue and are energised by working in a multidisciplinary team. You have a critical mindset and are able to adjust your experimental plans accordingly. You also possess strong communication skills in English and enjoy working with colleagues from various backgrounds.
In addition, you have:
- A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
- Demonstrable interest in immunology.
- Hands-on experience with immunological techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry and ELISA.
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?
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 will be between €3,108 to €3,939 (scale Pro, CAO UMC), based on a full-time position.
- The project starts on 1 September 2025.
- The selection process includes multiple stages, including a presentation. More details about the application procedure will follow shortly.
- References will be requested as part of the application process.
- Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.