We are looking for a motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to be appointed within an international consortium focused on asthma prevention. This project is based on the observations that chronic infections with parasitic worms are linked to protection against childhood allergic asthma. Worms are master regulators of the host immune system within the gut but also within the lungs. It is believed that these processes are underlying the protective effect against inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. The main aim of the project is the identification and expression of immunomodulatory molecules from the worm Schistosoma mansoni. As post-doc you will express recombinant worm molecules in various expression systems, identify new candidate molecules and test their immunomodulatory activity in experimental models for allergic airway inflammation. Finally, you will dissect their (molecular) mode of action using molecular tools and advanced transgenic models. 

You have a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biology, biochemistry or cell biology, and obtained a PhD preferably with experience in cellular immunology, animal models and expression of recombinant proteins. Practical skills with cell culture, flow cytometry and animal handling will be an asset. Skills for protein analysis (HPLC, transfection, WB analysis) and/or proteomics will be considered an advantage. You are a highly motivated, driven and eager go-getter with a flexible work mentality and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary international team. English language skills are essential for communication within the team, but also for scientific presentations and publications.

Fixed-term contract: two years, with the possibility for extension with another two years.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for two years, with the possibility for extension with another two years. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience with a maximum of € 4,216 gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10, CLA for University Hospitals).

LUMC can offer you highly favourable terms and conditions of employment. For example, you will receive an 8% holiday remuneration, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a pension scheme with the General Pension Fund for Public Employees (ABP), and, if applicable, a bonus for irregular hours. In addition, you will have the opportunity to join the collective health insurance scheme for University Hospitals.

LUMC offers excellent facilities for education and training, child-care centres, and career advice. In addition, you will benefit from various leave arrangements and other extras. You can read more about these facilities elsewhere on this site.

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. So as to also provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers.

Successful candidates will be hosted in the Leiden Immunoparasitology Group (LIPG), which is part of the Department of Parasitology. The department is embedded in the outstanding scientific environment of the LUMC, providing state-of-art research facilities and a highly integrative network of life science groups seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The main research line of LIPG is focused on understanding the immunological basis of host-parasite interaction with particular emphasis on chronic helminth infections. Under this umbrella, the research line is embedded that focuses on immune modulation by helminths and/or their molecules and protection against allergic asthma.