The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research are looking for a:
PhD candidate in iPSCs pluripotency, differentiation potential and safety assessments
Vacancy number: 22-403

Key responsibilities 

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) drove a paradigm shift in regenerative medicine and holds a promise for new therapies for numerous hard to treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, myocardial injury, retinitis pigmentosa and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the production process of iPSCs is very costly. The use of allogeneic iPSCs is problematic as patients are subject to the life-long use of immunosuppressants which are required to prevent tissue rejection. Within the project “AiPSC” we are aiming to develop a technology enabling mass production of autologous iPSCs. The crucial step in this technological process is a multidimensional quality evaluation of manufactured iPSCs, which involves forecast of the differentiation potential of induced cells, tracing consequences of pluripotency induction and safety assessments.

The PhD candidate will work on the development of a Multiome iPSC assay for standardization and acceleration of iPSC quality assessment for pluripotency, differentiation potential, and genomic stability. The project also offers the PhD candidate to acquire an expertise in bioinformatics data analysis, namely in single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics analysis. The candidate will be embedded in the research group of Prof.dr. M. Drukker, focused on stem cells technologies in order to create novel models for human disease and drug development. 

Selection criteria

•    A Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical sciences or a related field;
•    Expertise in human (stem) cell culture, molecular and cell biology, microscopy
•    Interest in bioinformatics data analysis;
•    Strong communication skills in the group and with collaborators;
•    Proficiency in English;
•    Excellent organisational and planning skills (efficient time management).

Terms and conditions 
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 3 years based on performance. Salary range from € 2.443,- to € 3.122,- gross per month (fulltime, pay scale P, depending on experience), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). 
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

For more information (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions  https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions ), see the website. 

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Our organizations
Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. 

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.