"PhD Candidate in Immuno-biology and Infectious Disease"

Job Summary

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is seeking a PhD candidate to research the development of host-directed therapeutics for mycobacterial infections. This project focuses on targeting host-cell metabolism to combat intracellular bacteria and boost immune responses, addressing the global rise in antibiotic-resistant mycobacterial infections like tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research, including planning experiments, analyzing data, and reporting findings.
• Participate in lab meetings, departmental discussions, and external conferences.
• Contribute to writing and publishing manuscripts and grants.
• Supervise BSc and MSc internship projects.
• Contribute to teaching in the department, such as laboratory classes.
• Complete training in transferable and scientific skills as required for the PhD degree.
• Complete the PhD thesis within 4 years.

Qualifications and Requirements

• BSc degree including mathematics, cell and molecular biology.
• Honors (first class) or MSc degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related field.
• Accreditation in Laboratory Animal Science (DEC article 9) is desirable but not essential.
• Essential lab experience: mammalian cell culture, cell biology, and infection biology.
• Desirable experience: molecular biology, assay development, lipidomics, metabolomics, or transcriptomics.
• Strong analytical thinking, data analysis, and critical problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to rigorous scientific standards and accurate record keeping.
• Excellent time management and ability to work independently.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, demonstrated through publications, theses, or presentations.
• Strong teamwork mentality.

What the Employer Offers

A full-time position for 12 months, extendable to three more years upon satisfactory performance. Salary ranges from €2,901 to €3,707 gross per month (pay scale P). Additional benefits include an 8% holiday bonus, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, training and career development opportunities, and a substantial tax break for candidates from outside the Netherlands. The role is embedded in a dynamic international environment at Leiden University, with access to leading research facilities and networks.