PhD Candidate Thrombosis and Hemostasis

About your role

Within this PhD project, you will work on developing a new treatment strategy for APS. Your focus will be on designing T cells that can effectively and safely eliminate disease-causing B cells. This involves designing genetic constructs, performing various cell biology experiments, and analyzing the function of these therapeutic T cells. You will work with colleagues who test the developed cells and constructs in innovative vessel-on-chip models. You will also work closely with a fellow clinical PhD student who will be appointed simultaneously on the same project.

Your responsibilities include:

• Designing genetic constructs for therapeutic T cells.
• Isolating, characterizing, and sequencing cell populations from patient blood samples.
• Developing and performing cellular models to test therapeutic T cells.
• Presenting and publishing research findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

In this role, you will combine fundamental laboratory research with a clear clinical application, contributing to the development of new treatment options for patients with APS.

About your workplace

You will be working at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), an academic hospital where patient care, education, and research are closely connected. At LUMC, healthcare professionals and researchers collaborate on developing innovative treatments and improving diagnostics. This combination of clinical practice and scientific research creates an environment where new ideas can quickly be translated into practical applications in healthcare.

For this research project, two specialized research groups combine their expertise in the field of cellular immunotherapy. On one side is the APS research group within Thrombosis and Hemostasis, led by Dr. T.E. van Mens and Prof. Dr. H.C.J. Eikenboom, which is part of the Department of General Internal Medicine. On the other side, you will collaborate with the T-cell research group of the Department of Hematology, led by Prof. Dr. M.H.M. Heemskerk.

You will be appointed within the Thrombosis and Hemostasis department, an internationally recognized research group specializing in thrombosis and bleeding disorders. Here, you will work alongside a team of PhD candidates conducting research on APS and thrombosis, as well as experienced laboratory analysts with extensive expertise in the techniques used within this project. The working environment is collegial and highly collaborative, with knowledge and experience actively shared among team members.

About you

You are motivated to conduct research in translational medicine, with a clear interest in thrombosis and immunology. In your work, you take initiative and actively contribute ideas and solutions. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team, while also feeling comfortable taking ownership of projects independently. With your open attitude and clear communication style, you are able to connect researchers from different areas of expertise and contribute to a collaborative working environment.

In addition, you have:

• A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
• A strong interest in autoimmunity and experimental cellular therapies.
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, qPCR, and flow cytometry.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.

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 will be between € 3,108 and € 3,939 gross per month (scale Pro, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.
• The procedure involves several stages, including interviews with above named supervisors. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.