PhD Candidate in Pathology

About your role

Cancer immunotherapy is highly effective in some patients but fails in others. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota significantly impact immune responses. This PhD project aims to determine how specific gut bacteria and their metabolites modulate the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, within the tumor microenvironment.

Your main tasks will include:

• Using metagenomics and spatial transcriptomics to analyze whether a favorable bacterial composition is associated with active APCs in tumors of colorectal cancer patients.
• Applying metabolomics and advanced single-cell analyses to determine how bacterial breakdown products of nutrients affect APC metabolism.
• Functional investigation of how interventions targeting the gut microbiota can enhance antitumor immune responses.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and cancer research, using state-of-the-art technologies and computational analyses.

About your workplace

You will be based at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) at the department of Pathology, working closely with leading research groups specializing in cancer immunology, microbiology, and metabolism. Our lab is at the forefront of advanced spatial transcriptomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics which allows us to unravel the complex interactions between the immune system and microbiota.

About you

You are analytical, curious, and highly motivated. You have a strong interest in understanding complex biological processes and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge research.

In addition, you have:

• A (nearly) completed master’s degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, or a related field.
• A strong interest in cancer immunology and microbiota research.
• Experience with (or interest in) bioinformatics and data analysis is a plus.

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 €3,017 and €3,824 gross per month (scale Pro, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.
• The procedure involves several stages, including an initial interview followed by presentations. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.