It is well known that immune cells and vascular cells contribute to inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. However, how immune cells and vascular cells interact with each other to drive these diseases is unclear. In this project, that is part of the consortium PLAK-TALK, a collaborative consortium with the University of Cambridge (UK) and the Technical University Munich (Germany), we aim to identify new communication mechanisms between immune cells and vascular cells and to investigate downstream consequences for atherosclerosis.

- You are an highly motivated candidate with an interest for cardiovascular diseases.
- You have a MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or a related field.
- You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- You have the ability to work in a research group.
- Experience in the fields of metabolism, inflammation, immunology, and cardiovascular disease is an advantage, as is experience with mouse models, flow cytometry, histology, cell biology, and molecular biology techniques.

It concerns a full-time appointment (36 hours a week) for a period of four years. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2023. Your salary will be a minimum of €2.789,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.536,- gross per month (scale PhD) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Kindergeneeskunde

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest medical centers in The Netherlands. More than 12.000 employees provide patient care and medical education and perform biomedical research. The environment is ambitious, dynamic, and international, with state-of-the-art facilities. You will have the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in the Department of Pediatrics, in the building of the European Research Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA), and to work with renowned scientists in the field of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease. You will also have the opportunity to participate in courses offered by the Graduate School of Sciences. The aim of the PhD program is to prepare candidates for a career as independent scientists.