We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a strong interest in infectious diseases and a background in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related field. In your 4-year PhD track you’ll work on the establishment of SARS-CoV-2 and RSV (BSL-2 and BSL-3 pathogens) infection models using human primary respiratory epithelial cultures and cell lines, conduct CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide library screens and study mechanisms of viral immune evasion. Techniques will include amonggst others virus and cell culturing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, genome-wide knock-out library screens, microscopy, lentivirus technology, molecular cloning, whole genome sequencing, viral titrations, RT-qPCR flow cytometry, and others. You will present the results of your research at (inter)national conferences and meetings. In parallel, you will follow a curriculum in a university PhD graduate school. Finally, you will write and defend a dissertation comprising of multiple scientific manuscripts to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

You have a master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or a related field. Experience and in-depth knowledge of molecular-, cell-, or viro- biology are required. Moreover, experience with molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, etc), tissue culture, flow cytometry, and/or lentiviral expression systems is an advantage. The ideal candidate has good communicational skills, is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative. A good ability to think critically is expected

We believe in the power of a diverse team in which there is room for different skills, expertise, and social and cultural backgrounds. We invite you to respond to this vacancy.

The maximum salary for this position (36 hours) is € 3.196,00 gross per month based on full-time employment. 

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Department of Medical Microbiology

The Department of Medical Microbiology at the University Medical Center Utrecht is located on the Utrecht Science Park (Uithof, The Netherlands) and consists of the sections clinical bacteriology, clinical virology and infectious diseases serology, hospital hygiene and infection prevention. Additionally, the department has a large research section with a special interest in the interactions between micro-organisms/viruses and the (immune system of the) host. The department of Medical Microbiology is strongly embedded within the UMCU focus area Infection and Immunity. Virological research within the department focuses mainly on host-pathogen interactions and immune escape. The research laboratory of Dr. Robert Jan Lebbink studies the molecular interplay between viruses and their human host, with a special interest in understanding host genes that mediate infection and on viral mechanisms to evade the host’s immune system.