PhD Position Bacterial Defense Systems Against Viruses

About your role

In this four-year PhD project, you will focus on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of bacterial antiviral defense. Your work will involve both laboratory experiments as well as bioinformatics and advanced imaging techniques.

Your core tasks are:

• Cloning and expressing recombinant proteins.
• Developing and optimizing purification protocols.
• Designing and performing biochemical assays.
• Conducting phage assays to test bacterial antiviral activity.
• Determining molecular structures using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

In addition, you will use bioinformatics to perform sequence and structure analyses. You will also present your research at national and international conferences and publish your results in peer-reviewed journals.

About your workplace

Our lab is at the forefront of research into prokaryotic immunity and works closely with partners in the Netherlands and abroad. This means you will become part of a wide network of scientists investigating bacterial immune systems and their applications.

We are embedded in the Department of Cell and Chemical Biology (CCB) at the LUMC, where curiosity-driven research and collaboration across disciplines are central. Our department brings together expertise in molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, structural biology, and translational medicine.

About you

You are motivated to conduct fundamental research in microbiology and immunology and have a curious mindset towards novel bacterial defense mechanisms. You thrive in an interdisciplinary and international team environment, where you aim to further develop your technical skills and scientific interests. With your problem-solving attitude, you work independently as well as collaboratively on research questions.

Beyond your education and technical skills, we value your attitude as a researcher. You work carefully, think critically about your experiments, and adjust your plans flexibly when needed. In addition, you communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and contribute to a collegial and stimulating working atmosphere.

Furthermore, you have:

• An MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Practical experience with molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression in prokaryotic or eukaryotic systems.
• Experience in protein purification and biochemical or biophysical characterization techniques.
• A strong interest in structural biology and the motivation to learn cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
• Familiarity with bioinformatics for sequence or structure analysis, or the willingness to learn.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, or similar) are considered an advantage.

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, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. A select number of candidates will then be invited for a follow-up meeting on-site that will include a presentation. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.