PhD Candidate Epigenomics of Vaccination Response

About your role

Your research will focus on understanding why some individuals, particularly older adults, do not achieve optimal protection after vaccination. To answer this question, you will analyse large-scale genomics data from two unique longitudinal cohorts of vaccinated individuals whose immune systems have been thoroughly profiled. You will apply advanced statistical analyses in R and ensure your work is reproducible. In addition, you will analyse (single-cell) data from cell experiments to gain deeper insight into the immuno-epigenetic processes that underlie vaccine response. You will collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers from three Dutch institutes (LUMC, UMCG, RIVM). You will present your work at scientific conferences and write multiple articles for submission to leading academic journals.

Your core tasks include:

• Analysing epigenomic and other large-scale datasets using advanced methods.
• Interpreting (single-cell) data from cell experiments to uncover immuno-epigenetic mechanisms.
• Developing and applying reproducible analysis workflows in R.
• Writing scientific articles for publication in leading journals.
• Presenting your research findings at national and international conferences.

About your workplace

You will join the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences. One of the department’s main goals is to identify molecular profiles and biological processes that help us better understand complex diseases and ageing. To achieve this, we use state-of-the-art genomic technologies and advanced analytical methods in human biobanks and cellular model systems. You will work in a scientifically stimulating environment that nurtures your academic development and curiosity. Your supervisors will be Professor Bas Heijmans, whose research group has an outstanding international track record in epigenomics, and dr. Erik van Zwet, an expert in statistics and machine learning.

About you

You are analytical, creative, and well-organised. You get energy from working in a multidisciplinary team and are eager to share knowledge and ideas. In addition, you communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.

You also have:

• A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, life sciences, bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, computer science, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with analysing large-scale (omics) datasets.
• Experience applying data analysis to answer biological research questions.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools relevant to bioinformatics or data science, in particular R.

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.

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 is 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. Up to 6 candidates, who are promising based on their cover letter and resume, will be invited for an interview and a presentation of an own research project. Candidates invited for a second-round interview will be asked to present a published scientific article. Research partners will participate in this interview (Professor Debbie van Baarle). Consulting referees and requesting an internship report can be part of the procedure.
• The employment will start on September 1, 2025 (a slightly later starting date can be discussed) and will be for the duration of four years.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.