Postdoc Computational Immunology

Amsterdam UMC; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Public transport reimbursement

Bike scheme

BeFrank pension

Job summary

Amsterdam UMC Research BV invites applications for a postdoctoral position in computational immunology focused on building a mechanistic multiscale model of the lymph node. The role merges agent-based modelling with differential equations to study adaptive immune responses and requires strong programming in Julia or Python and experience with single-cell omics datasets.

You will work with principal investigators and researchers across Amsterdam UMC and partner institutes, presenting results in

Qualifications

• PhD in computational science or a related field.
• Experience with agent-based modelling and differential equations.
• Strong programming skills in Julia or Python.
• Experience with Git, Visual Studio Code and Copilot or Claude Code.
• Strong communication, presentation and scientific writing skills in English.
• Knowledge of R, immunology and single-cell omics is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop a mechanistic, spatio-temporal multiscale computational model of the lymph node.
• Integrate agent-based modelling with differential equation-based approaches.
• Use single-cell omics and other datasets to parameterize the model.
• Ensure the model is well documented within the ENCORE framework.
• Contribute to teaching at Amsterdam UMC or the University of Amsterdam and write grant proposals.

Skills

Agent-based modelling

Differential equations

Julia

Python

English communication

Education

PhD in computational science or related field

Tools

Git

Visual Studio Code

Copilot

Claude Code

Job description

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Biological sciences » Biology

Computer science » Modelling tools

Computer science » Programming

Organisation/Company Amsterdam UMC Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Biological sciences » Biology Computer science » Modelling tools Computer science » Programming Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 26 Oct 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The immune system plays a central role in protecting the body against pathogens and detecting and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Dysregulation of the immune system can lead to a wide range of autoimmune, inflammatory and immunodeficiency disorders.

Lymph nodes are key organs of the immune system. They play a crucial role in immune cell activation and the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Despite their importance, many of the cellular and molecular processes that govern lymph node function remain poorly understood.

As a postdoc in computational immunology, you will develop a mechanistic, spatio-temporal multiscale computational model of the lymph node. You will integrate agent-based modelling with differential equation-based approaches to better understand immune responses.

This is a two-year postdoctoral position. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this research line and use computational modelling to address fundamental questions in immunology.

You will develop a mechanistic multiscale model of the lymph node, with a focus on understanding adaptive immune responses. You will work closely with principal investigators and fellow researchers at Amsterdam UMC and other institutes. You will also present and discuss your results in team meetings.

Your tasks include:

• Developing an initial model in the Julia programming language, focusing on T-cell activation at the cellular and molecular level, including cell motility and cell-cell interactions, gene regulatory and signalling networks, and chemokine gradients.
• Extending the model to include additional lymph node compartments or processes, such as the B-cell region and germinal centre dynamics, or stromal and fibroblast populations.
• Using single-cell omics and other datasets from public repositories and collaborators to define and parameterize the model.
• Ensuring that the model is well documented and accessible to other researchers by using our ENCORE framework .
• Contributing to teaching at Amsterdam UMC or the University of Amsterdam and writing a grant proposal to attract research funding and establish your own research line.

You are a computational scientist with a strong interest in biology, immunology and single-cell omics. You combine technical expertise with analytical thinking and clear communication. You are an ambitious researcher who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment and taking the lead in developing a research project.

You bring:

• A PhD in computational science or a related field and experience in a previous postdoctoral research position.
• Experience with agent-based modelling and differential equations.
• Strong programming skills in Julia or Python and experience with tools such as Git, Visual Studio Code and CoPilot or Claude Code.
• Strong communication, presentation and scientific writing skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of English, both spoken and written.

Knowledge or experience with R, immunology and single-cell omics is an advantage.

Additional Information

• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of two years.
• Classification in salary scale 10: € 3.724 to € 5.867 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here .
• Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
• 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Additional comments

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact prof. dr. Antoine van Kampen, at [e-mail] .

A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.