PhD Position at Leiden University Medical Center | Apply Now
PhD position opportunities in virology and immunology continue to attract aspiring researchers looking to advance their careers in infectious disease research. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is offering an exciting PhD Position focused on lipid droplets, antiviral immunity, and translational infection models. This biotech job provides hands-on experience in advanced virology, immunology, CRISPR technologies, and translational research while working with leading scientists in the Netherlands.
- Job Position: PhD Position – Lipid Droplets, Antiviral Immunity and Translational Infection Models
- Location:Â Leiden, Netherlands
- Salary: €3,217 – €4,077 gross per month
About the Center
PhD position opportunities at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) provide researchers with access to one of the leading academic medical centers in the Netherlands. LUMC is committed to excellence in healthcare, education, and international research. The institution promotes diversity, sustainability, innovation, and collaborative leadership while fostering a safe and inclusive work environment. Through its extensive research programs and partnerships, LUMC Careers offer outstanding opportunities for scientific growth and professional development.
PhD Position Description
PhD position research activities will focus on mechanistic and translational studies of virus-host interactions. The successful candidate will investigate how lipid droplet-associated pathways influence antiviral immunity and infection outcomes using human primary cell systems, advanced infection models, mouse models, and gene-editing approaches.
By integrating molecular virology, immunology, and cell biology, the project aims to uncover mechanisms through which host metabolic pathways regulate viral replication and immune responses. The research bridges fundamental discovery and translational science, providing opportunities to validate findings in physiologically relevant model systems and contribute to future host-directed antiviral strategies. The candidate will also actively present research findings at international conferences and publish results in leading peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications
PhD position applicants should possess a strong academic background and enthusiasm for translational infectious disease research.
Essential
- Completed Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Infection Biology, Molecular Biology, Medical Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture.
- Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions and antiviral immunity.
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Strong organizational and communication abilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research teams.
Preferred
- Experience in virology.
- Experience with animal research.
- Background in immunology.
- Microscopy experience.
Skills and Attributes
Biotech job candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in virology and antiviral immunity.
- Passion for translational research.
- Ability to work in a structured and organized manner.
- Strong scientific presentation skills.
- Effective teamwork and collaboration abilities.
- Capacity to manage multiple research activities simultaneously.
PhD Position – Key Responsibilities
PhD position responsibilities include conducting innovative research related to virus-host interactions and antiviral immunity.
- Investigating the functional role of lipid droplet-associated host factors during viral infection.
- Performing gene-editing and targeted perturbation experiments.
- Studying antiviral signalling pathways and inflammatory responses in human primary cell models and established virus mouse models.
- Presenting research findings at international conferences.
- Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Contributing to collaborative research projects with national and international partners.
Why Join LUMC?
Job in Netherlands opportunities at LUMC combine world-class research, international collaboration, and professional development. Researchers gain exposure to cutting-edge infectious disease research while contributing to innovative scientific discoveries that may shape future antiviral therapies.
LUMC values diversity, sustainability, inclusion, and scientific excellence. The institution aims to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute to meaningful healthcare and research advancements.
