The development of novel supra-molecular technologies to couple immune-active molecules to pathogens such as malaria parasites is at the heart of our innovative vaccine program. Previously, we showed that if adjuvants are attached to the surface of pathogens, the immune response to these pathogens changes markedly, which means they can be used as vaccines. The candidate will advance the already established concepts using chemical approaches, for example by creating multi-adjuvant systems and testing different chemical techniques for this purpose. Ultimately, the aim will be to create pathogen-based vaccines that will be applied in vitro and in vivo.
This interdisciplinary project combines chemistry, imaging with vaccinology. Experience in or knowledge of infectious diseases or the vaccine field is not needed – willingness to learn these fields is!
 

In short

·         You will work in a dynamic academic environment within a highly interdisciplinary team

·         You will design novel vaccine technologies and work at the intersection of chemistry and biology

·         You are dedicated, independent and flexible and like working with like-minded people with a can-do, open mindset

·         The project is part of a prestigious VIDI gran

We are looking for an excellent and ambitious candidate in possession of an MSc-degree in organic chemistry, nanotechnology or a similar field and with curiosity to learn more about vaccine development. You are enthusiastic, independent and accurate, and you have excellent social and organizational abilities. A high degree of independence and resourcefulness will help you to optimally obtain added value from the close collaborations in a multidisciplinary team. It is important that you are fluent in English both in writing and in speech.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

You will be employed on the basis of 36 hours per week. Appointment is for 2 years. Your salary is based on your education and experience and is a maximum of  € 4,615  gross per month for a full time position (scale 10 in the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases

The Controlled Human Infection Center at the heart of the Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases has active research lines in the field of vaccine development. For chemical designs and imaging we closely collaborate with the Interventional Molecular Imaging (IMI) laboratory, which has its own dedicated organic chemistry laboratory where the chemical aspects of the position will be conducted. Biological evaluations will be performed within facilities of the department of parasitology and/or general facilities of the LUMC. The IMI-lab also has a longstanding collaboration with chemistry/nanotechnology labs in Wageningen and the University of Twente.