PhD Candidate lipid droplet multi-omics and host–virus interactions

About your role

Research into the role of lipid droplets during viral infections is at the heart of this position. High-containment virology, quantitative proteomics, lipidomics, advanced microscopy, genome editing, and computational biology come together in this project. By combining experimental research with advanced data analysis, you will contribute to new insights into host–virus interactions. Close collaboration with experts from different disciplines is an integral part of the research.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Performing virus infection experiments in human cell models under BSL-3 conditions.
• Isolating lipid droplets from infected cells and performing proteomics and lipidomics analyses.
• Applying spatial proteomics and microscopy to study lipid droplet dynamics and organelle interactions.
• Integrating multi-omics datasets and identifying viral and host factors involved in infection.

In addition, you will work closely with experts in proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and virology, and present research findings at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

About your workplace

The research group of dr. Sebenzile K. Myeni is part of the Leiden Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID). The project brings together expertise from LUCID, the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM), the Leiden Genome Technology Center, the Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, as well as national and international partners. Access to advanced facilities, including BSL-3 virology laboratories, quantitative proteomics and lipidomics platforms, microscopy facilities, and computational biology support, will enable and strengthen the research.

About you

Curiosity, ambition, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary biomedical research characterize the way you work. You are able to connect complex analytical results to biomedical research questions. In addition, you work accurately, take initiative, and actively contribute to a collaborative research environment.

In addition, you have:

• A completed Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Infection Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• A strong interest in host–pathogen interactions and affinity with large-scale omics datasets and data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in English and a proactive mindset. Experience in virology, proteomics, lipidomics, bioinformatics, or microscopy is considered an 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 where talent development and inclusive leadership are central. 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, home-working 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, leaving you with a higher net salary. A valuable benefit.

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

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 where talent development and inclusive leadership are central. 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, home-working 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, leaving you with a higher net salary. A valuable benefit.

More information

• As a PhD candidate, your salary ranges from € 3,217 to € 4,077 gross per month (salary scale PRO, Collective Labour Agreement for University Medical Centers), based on a full-time appointment.
• A salary increase of 3.5% will take effect on 1 May 2027.
• The selection procedure consists of several stages. Detailed information about the recruitment process will be provided at a later stage.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.