PhD student: Lung-on-Chip models & respiratory viruses

Erasmus MC; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th month paid out

Travel expense package

ABP pension contributions

Inhouse physiotherapist

Bicycle repair service

Gym facilities

Job summary

Erasmus MC is seeking a PhD student to contribute to the ALIVE project, developing a Lung-on-Chip model to study respiratory virus infections and immune responses. You will conduct experimental lab work with human-derived materials and state-of-the-art techniques, culture airway epithelium, and collaborate with Mimetas BV to advance antiviral models.

You will analyze data, report findings in scientific publications and at international conferences, and work within a multidisciplinary team under

Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, or a related field.
• Internship experience with organoids, iPSCs, or advanced cell culture is a strong advantage.
• Strong interest in virology, immunology, and animal-free model systems.
• Excellent collaboration skills and willingness to contribute to joint experiments.
• Careful and flexible approach with possible flexible working hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform experiments for a Lung-on-Chip model to study infections and immune interactions.
• Analyze data and report findings in scientific publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and with Mimetas BV.
• Contribute to advancing antiviral model systems and translate findings to patients.

Skills

Virology interest

Immunology interest

Collaboration

Laboratory work

Education

Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, or related field

Job description

Job Description

As a PhD student on the ALIVE project, you will contribute to the development of an innovative Lung-on-Chip model to study respiratory virus infections and the immune responses targeting them. Your work will primarily involve experimental laboratory research with unique human-derived materials, respiratory viruses, and state-of-the-art techniques.

As a PhD student on the ALIVE project, you will contribute to the development of an innovative Lung-on-Chip model to study respiratory virus infections and the immune responses targeting them. Your work will primarily involve experimental laboratory research with unique human-derived materials, respiratory viruses, and state-of-the-art techniques. You will culture human airway epithelium on the Lung-on-Chip model, integrate immune cells, and subsequently study viral infections, virus‑immune interactions, and antiviral interventions. In doing so, you will contribute to the development of improved models for investigating new treatments against respiratory virus infections, ultimately helping to translate these treatments to patients more quickly. In addition to conducting experiments, you will analyze and interpret data and report your findings in scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. You will work within a multidisciplinary team and in close collaboration with Mimetas BV, the developer of the Lung-on-Chip platform. Throughout the project, you will receive day‑to‑day supervision from a postdoctoral researcher working on the research project.

Work environment

You will join a research group of approximately 15-20 researchers studying interactions between respiratory viruses and the immune system. The team consists of researchers at different stages of their careers, including group leaders, research technicians, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and bachelor’s and master’s students.

Everyone has their own research project, but we work closely together: knowledge and techniques are shared, and we support one another during large experiments. We celebrate our successes together and organize an annual group outing.

Our research group is part of the Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC, an internationally oriented department at the forefront of clinical and fundamental virology research. You will therefore work in an environment with extensive expertise in virology. This provides excellent opportunities to learn from colleagues while also giving you the freedom to develop your own research and expertise.

Qualifications And Skills

We are looking for a meticulous, persistent, and eager-to-learn PhD student who is motivated by experimental discoveries in virology and immunology. You have a proactive attitude and the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic nature of laboratory work.

• A completed master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, or a directly related scientific discipline.
• Relevant laboratory experience gained during internships, with experience in organoids, iPSCs, or advanced cell culture considered a strong advantage.
• A strong interest in virology, immunology, and the development of innovative animal‑free model systems.
• Excellent collaboration skills and a willingness to actively contribute to joint experiments within the research team.
• A careful and flexible approach to work, with perseverance when facing experimental challenges and an understanding that occasional flexibility in working hours may be required.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3.217,- in the 1st year and it gradually increases to € 4.077,- in the 4th year (scale OiO) based on a full‑time workweek of 36 hours.
• A salary increase of 3,5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out toDr. Rory de Vries or Dr. Rik de Swart, both Associate Professors and Group Leaders within the Department of Viroscience via [e-mail] (mailto:[e-mail]) and [e-mail] (mailto:[e-mail]).