Are you interested in immunological research at the boundary of fundamental and translational research? Do you want to contribute to novel therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? And at the same time develop your teaching skills? We offer a PhD position in our enthusiastic team of researchers!

Wat ga je doen?
Current therapeutic approaches for RA often rely on broad immune suppression. While effective in managing symptoms, this hampers crucial immune responses including vaccine efficacy. Our research indicates that vaccination with antigen-carrying nanoparticles holds promise for long-term RA relief. In this PhD project, you will spearhead the translation of this approach to human patients, investigating how nanoparticulate vaccines interact with RA patient material, considering factors like disease state and medication impact. Your findings will be pivotal in predicting vaccine safety and efficacy for future clinical trials.

The team, led by Professor Femke Broere, has many years of experience in studying RA and is at the forefront of novel therapies to treat this disease. Embedded in the Immunology group of the division of Infectious diseases & Immunology, we are an international team of researchers working on a wide range of topics, including veterinary and human immunology and vaccines. As a team, we prioritise effective collaboration, ongoing feedback, and both professional and personal development.

This appointment is for five years, with a commitment of 20% to teaching. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct cutting-edge research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and actively engage in the academic community.

• You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or similar.
• You have affinity (and preferably experience) with human cell culture and immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry).
• Article 9 animal science certification is a benefit.
• You are an independent person with good communication skills who can quickly take control over your project.
• You have strong proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.

We offer:

• a position for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to five years in total;
• a working week of 32 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible employment conditions based on the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. Furthermore the faculty delivers expert clinical care at the University Animal Hospital. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students. It is is located at the Utrecht Science Park, near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

For more information, please contact Dr Naomi Benne via N.benne@uu.nl or Professor Femke Broere via f.broere@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.