PhD student Immunology & Virology

University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University Medical Center Groningen seeks an enthusiastic researcher to study how host biology shapes susceptibility to viral infection using human adipose tissue and influenza models.

You will investigate viral replication and immune responses, integrating virological and metabolic data, collaborating with clinicians, and presenting results at conferences and in journals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biomedical sciences or related field, candidates near completion encouraged.
• Strong background in virology, immunology or closely related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, immunological assays, flow cytometry, or virological methods (BSL-2).
• Willingness to be trained for and work with respiratory viruses at BSL-3.
• Ability to plan, perform, evaluate and troubleshoot experiments.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments using human adipose tissue and influenza infection models.
• Investigate viral infection and replication in adipose tissue from individuals with different metabolic profiles.
• Characterise local immune/inflammatory responses using molecular, cellular, and immunological techniques; compare across metabolic health and tissue location.
• Integrate virological, immunological, and metabolic data to identify mechanisms of susceptibility or resilience to severe infection.
• Collaborate closely with researchers and clinicians; present findings at national/international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Virology

Immunology

Lab skills

English communication

Education

Master's degree in biomedical sciences or related field

Near completion considered

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Immunological assays

Flow cytometry

Virological methods

Job description

• Design and conduct experiments using human adipose tissue and experimental influenza infection models.
• Investigate viral infection and replication in adipose tissue from individuals with different metabolic profiles.
• Characterise local immune and inflammatory responses using molecular, cellular and immunological techniques, and compare them across metabolic health status and adipose-tissue location.
• Integrate virological, immunological and metabolic data to identify mechanisms of susceptibility or resilience to severe infection.
• Collaborate closely with researchers and clinicians across the team.
• Present your findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

You are an enthusiastic, curious researcher with a strong interest in virology and immunology and in how host biology shapes susceptibility to infectious disease. You enjoy hands-on laboratory work, reading scientific literature, are eager to develop new skills, and thrive in an international, collaborative setting. A good sense of humour will help you feel at home in our team.

You also bring:

• a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, biomolecular sciences or a related discipline, candidates close to completing their degree are encouraged to apply;
• a strong background in virology, immunology or a closely related field;
• experience with relevant laboratory techniques such as mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, immunological assays, flow cytometry and/or virological methods, preferably at BSL-2 level;
• a willingness to be trained for and to work with respiratory viruses at Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3);
• the ability to plan, perform, critically evaluate and troubleshoot experiments;
• the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary, international team;
• excellent written and spoken communication skills in English;Experience with primary human cells or tissues, respiratory viruses and/or adipose-tissue research is an advantage but not essential.