Microplastics, are detected in air, aquatic life, drinking water, and several foods and drinks. The awareness that microplastics originating from industrial and household emission are a threat for human and animal health is only recently emerging. As highlighted by the WHO, not much is known on human exposure and the risk represented by microplastics for human. The candidate will conduct research on effects of inhaled and ingested microplastics on our epithelial barriers and cells of the immune system. This work will be conducted in the context of a national (MOMENTUM) and international (POLYRISK) consortium grant that will run for 4 years. Lab work will entail in vitro studies with human epithelial cells and immune cells, as well as in vivo studies in mice. The primary technique that will be used is microscopy (confocal microscopy and the Incucyte for human cells and intravital imaging of mice using the 2-photon microscope). Other techniques are flow cytometry, cell culture, cell isolation and PCR. Besides performing independent research the candidate will also take up management tasks for the consortium.

You (nearly) completed a MSc degree in immunology, toxicology, cellular biology, or a related discipline and have experience with lab work. Experience with tissue culture, general molecular biology techniques, microscopy and flow cytometry is a plus. Possession of an Article 13 certificate to work with experimental animals is desired. You are a team player that shares knowledge and skills with colleagues. You can work independently, have excellent organizational skills and you are motivated, creative and hard-working. You communicate effectively with others, particularly with regard to the presentation of scientific data. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and you are fluent in English (written and spoken).

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 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 Respiratory Medicine

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD student to join the PI groups of Dr. Nienke Vrisekoop and Dr. Raymond Pieters and work on immunotoxicological effects of microplastics. The group of Dr. Vrisekoop is embedded within the Department of Respiratory Medicine as well as the Center of Translational Immunology. This department performs fundamental and translational research to the immune system in health and acute and chronic disease. Dr. Raymond Pieters’ group is part of the Toxicology department of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), and is specialized in immunotoxicological effects of substances, e.g. particulate pollutants.

The research project will be linked to (inter)national consortium projects POLYRISK and Momentum.