PhD in RSV Immunology: NAM-Validated Human Cell Model

Rivm; Bilthoven; Remote; EUR 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

RIVM invites a PhD researcher to advance, standardize, and qualify a human epithelial RSV model within a European consortium. You will apply the RSV neutralization model to assess population variability and viral escape, contributing to non-animal approaches in vaccine research.

You will publish findings, present at meetings, and plan your PhD thesis while collaborating with international scientists and regulators at IIM, contributing to public health.

Qualifications

• MSc in biomedical sciences or related field, preferably infection/immunity.
• Experience in cell culture and virological methods (titraton/neutralization).
• Ability to review literature and publish findings.
• High autonomy and initiative to plan and drive research.
• Clear English communication and collaboration in an international team.

Responsibilities

• Co-design standardization plan for the RSV neutralization model with consortium partners.
• Perform extensive cell culture work including viral infections at BSL-2/ML-II.
• Use molecular biology and virological techniques (confocal microscopy, titration, RT-qPCR, scRNA-seq, multiplex assays).
• Systematically review literature on in vitro models of respiratory infection and immunity.
• Analyze data, publish in journals, present at conferences, and draft PhD thesis.
• Collaborate with virologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians and regulators at RIVM and partners.

Skills

Infection & immunity

Cell culture

Virology methods

Data analysis

Scientific writing

English communication

Education

Master's degree in biomedical sciences or related field

Job description

RIVM invites a PhD researcher to advance, standardize, and qualify a human epithelial RSV model within a European consortium. You will apply the RSV neutralization model to assess population variability and viral escape, contributing to non-animal approaches in vaccine research.

You will publish findings, present at meetings, and plan your PhD thesis while collaborating with international scientists and regulators at IIM, contributing to public health.