PhD candidate for the project "Modulation of inflammatory Dendritic cell subsets in atherosclerosis"

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease where atherosclerotic plaques develop in the larger arteries. Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Currently, treatment focusses on lipid-lowering interventions, which do not target the chronic inflammation that causes plaque instability and major acute cardiovascular events. Therefore, studying the immune cells that contribute to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization may lead to novel therapeutic targets and intervention strategies.

In this project, we aim to investigate how inflammatory myeloid cell populations, with a focus on dendritic cell subsets contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Dendritic cells act as directors of the immune response by activating T cells and may thus fuel the ongoing chronic inflammatory response in advanced atherosclerosis. We aim to investigate novel mechanisms and identify new targets for more targeted therapeutic intervention.

What you will do

The aim of your PhD project is to obtain novel knowledge regarding myeloid immune cells in cardiovascular disease, specifically in advanced atherosclerosis.

You will:

1. identify myeloid cell subsets, with a particular focus on dendritic cells, in advanced human atherosclerosis and associate these with patient characteristics
2. investigate the functional changes of different dendritic cell subsets in advanced atherosclerosis
3. identify proatherogenic dendritic cell subsets and validate potential therapeutic targets for intervention.

You will make use of available human atherosclerotic tissue and datasets, design and perform in vitro studies and validate findings in vivo.

What you bring

We are looking for an enthusiastic, bright, well-motivated and ambitious scientist:

• With a recent Master degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical/Bio-medical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field,
• Strong background in immunology and/or cardiovascular research,
• With experience with in vivo studies (artikel 9, proefdierkunde), spectral flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing (working in R), microscopical techniques and molecular biology is an advantage,
• English proficiency (verbally and written),
• Who is an independent and creative team player with good communicative skills.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and over 6,000 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.

The division of BioTherapeutics operates at the forefront of research in the field of therapeutic modulation of cardiovascular disease. The research aims to identify new immune targets in atherosclerosis and to develop innovative biopharmaceutical concepts to intervene in cardiovascular disease. The use of specific gene-knockout technology, biologics such as vaccines, therapeutic proteins and cellular therapy, provides a unique approach for the development of new therapies for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research/biotherapeutics.

What we offer

We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 3.204,- per month in the first year to € 4.051,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

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.

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

Want to apply or find out more?

Do you have any questions about this position? Please contact Dr. Laura Bosmans (l.a.bosmans@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl)

For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Mrs Cathy van der Ploeg (c.c.m.van.der.ploeg@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl).

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents (in pdf format) quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Copy of master’s thesis or any other publication (if available);
• The transcripts of your MSc studies and copy of your degree;
• Written letters of recommendation by at least two former supervisors.

Only applications received before 31st of October 2026 can be considered.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.

Discover the world at Leiden University

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Get to know us as an employer. Learn more