Postdoc Infectious Diseases LUCID

About your role

Your research will focus on unraveling the cellular immune response against the liver stage of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum). You will investigate how immune cells recognize and eliminate infected liver cells. Using innovative immunological techniques, you will contribute to understanding protective immunity and optimizing new vaccines. Your work will combine independent research with close collaboration with other researchers.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing, optimizing, and validating innovative functional cellular assays to measure how effectively immune cells can eliminate infected hepatocytes.
• Investigating how T cells can be programmed and directed to specifically recognize and eliminate infected hepatocytes.
• Performing complex cell cultures, multicolor flow cytometry (FACS), CyTOF, Hyperion, and functional immunological assays.
• Analyzing complex datasets, writing scientific publications, and presenting research findings within LUCID and at international conferences.

Through your research, you will make an important contribution to advancing our understanding of protective immunity against malaria.

About your workplace

The LUCID department at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) brings together leading researchers at the forefront of immunology and infectious diseases. You will work with primary hepatocytes, PBMCs from volunteers participating in the group's controlled human malaria infection studies, and the latest immunological techniques. You will become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team where fundamental science is directly linked to clinical relevance. LUMC offers a stimulating environment with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development.

About you

With a proactive and flexible approach, you independently tackle complex research challenges. You enjoy collaborating with researchers from different disciplines and communicate research findings clearly. You actively contribute ideas for new research methods and help create a positive and collaborative team environment.

In addition, you have:

• A completed PhD in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in cellular immunology, particularly T-cell biology and functional in vitro assays, such as cytotoxicity assays and co-cultures.
• Extensive experience with flow cytometry, data analysis software such as FlowJo, and advanced data analysis tools such as R.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written. Experience working with infectious pathogens, preferably parasites or viruses, is an advantage.

Our offer

Driven by health; that is our mission. Naturally, this applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable working environment where talent development and connecting leadership are central. To support continuous learning and development, we offer internal training and professional development opportunities. In addition, you are entitled to a year-end bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, a bicycle scheme, a sports allowance, a working-from-home allowance, and an excellent commuting reimbursement scheme. As an LUMC employee, you will also participate in the ABP pension fund. This means that LUMC pays no less than 70% of your pension contributions, leaving you with a higher net salary. A welcome benefit!

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have 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 to achieving these goals. Sustainability is also a key priority: we are dedicated to creating a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued. What matters to us is who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we are working towards 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 infectious diseases at LUCID, your salary will range from € 3,724 to € 5,867 gross per month (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.
• This is a fixed-term position for the duration of the research project, with a probationary period of one month.
• The application process consists of several stages. Further details about the recruitment procedure will be provided during the application process.
• Unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies regarding this vacancy are not appreciated.