Postdoc: Antigen-specific single-cell profiling (English)

Rivm; Bilthoven; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

RIVM seeks a researcher to contribute to public health by generating and analyzing single-cell datasets to study durability of cellular immunity after infections or vaccines. You will work in the IMC department within the Centre for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, collaborating across a project team and with a bioinformatician.

You will perform hands-on lab work with flow cytometry and single-cell omics, analyze large datasets in R or Python, and publish results in peer-reviewed

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology with focus on infectious diseases.
• Solid foundation in T or B cell biology.
• Practical experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting; single-cell techniques a plus.
• Strong data analysis skills in R or Python and ability to translate complex data.
• Proficient English communication.

Responsibilities

• Design laboratory experiments for generating flow cytometry and single-cell datasets from clinical studies.
• Analyze and visualize flow cytometry and single-cell datasets.
• Coordinate and safeguard timing and quality of project deliverables.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in immunology

Tools

R

Python

Flow cytometry

Cell sorting

Single-cell omics

Job description

Can we distinct short- and long-term cellular immunity in order to improve vaccination strategies? In this position at RIVM you will contribute to public health by generating and analyzing single-cell datasets for exploring why longevity of cellular immunity induced by different vaccines and pathogens differs. You will have access to unique clinical cohorts, cutting-edge flow cytometry and sequencing technologies, and dedicated bioinformatic support. This two-year post offers a collaborative, research-focused environment where your daily laboratory work shapes meaningful scientific insights.

Your responsibilities

Understanding the mechanisms behind why cell-mediated immunity lasts for decades after certain infections or vaccines, while fading quickly after others, is crucial for designing next-generation public health strategies. In this two-year position you address this question by mapping antigen-specific B and T cell responses at single-cell resolution.

Your primary focus is the hands-on generation and analysis of single-cell datasets from clinical cohorts. Working within a dedicated project team, you profile cellular immune responses triggered by various pathogens and vaccines to evaluate both the depth and longevity of protection. You work closely alongside an experienced bioinformatician to integrate, interpret, and translate complex laboratory data into immunological insights.

Your key tasks include:

• Designing and performing laboratory experiments for generating flow cytometry and single-cell omics datasets from human clinical studies on cellular responses following infection or vaccination.
• Analyzing and visualizing flow cytometry and single-cell datasets.
• Coordinating and safeguarding the timing and quality of completing project deliverables.
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals to communicate findings.
• Presenting research outcomes at meetings and conferences.

By generating these high-dimensional single-cell datasets, you help uncover the biological determinants of durable immunity, offering evidence that can refine future vaccination frameworks. Beyond the daily laboratory and data work, you will have access to advanced sequencing technologies and patient samples, with space to strengthen your analytical approach and share findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications.

About the department

The Centre for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IIV) at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) conducts high-impact research on how the immune system responds to vaccines and infections. We focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. Our Immune Mechanisms - Correlates of Protection (IMC) department identifies biomarkers of protective immunity through clinical studies, contributing to vaccine effectiveness and policy decisions.

For this project you will work closely with a principal investigator, a bioinformatician, and a technician. You will regularly collaborate with the project team to share progress and exchange ideas in an open, supportive environment. As a team, we tackle challenges together and celebrate our milestones with a slice of cake. You will also participate in IMC department and IIV centre meetings, giving you the opportunity to discuss research with fellow scientists. Beyond that, you can connect with colleagues informally during centre lunches, drinks, and social activities. We offer a flexible working environment through our hybrid work policy. We gather on-site two fixed days a week to connect as a team and with the broader centre, while offering the flexibility to work remotely when your tasks allow.

Job requirements

To be successful in this position, the following knowledge and experience is required:

• You hold a PhD in immunology, preferably focused on infectious diseases.
• You possess a solid foundation in T or B cell biology.
• You bring practical experience with cellular immunology techniques such as flow cytometry and cell sorting. Prior experience with single-cell techniques is a plus.
• You have a strong affinity for analyzing large datasets in R or python, ideally single-cell omics, enabling you to translate high-dimensional biological data into actionable scientific insights.
• You work with a structured and resilient approach, which helps you navigate complex experimental workflows, troubleshoot methodologically, and adapt to changing research demands.
• You communicate clearly in spoken and written English, allowing you to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and share your findings with the broader scientific community.

Over RIVM

For this position, vaccinations are mandatory as you will be working in laboratories where experiments with pathogens are being performed.