Research Physician Rheumatology

Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-year bonus

Holiday allowance

Bike scheme

Sports allowance

Working-from-home allowance

ABP pension

Job summary

Leiden University Medical Center invites applications for a physician-scientist in rheumatology to study autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis. You will bridge clinic and lab, map cell localization, and translate findings into publications.

The role includes developing new methods to visualize cells in tissues, working with patient cohorts, and contributing to clinical care and research leadership; the position is expected to culminate in

Qualifications

• Completed degree in Medicine with valid BIG registration.
• Interest in translational research, immunology and/or epidemiological research.
• Affinity with autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.
• Interest in setting up and coordinating research projects.

Responsibilities

• Characterise autoreactive B cells in different tissues and anatomical compartments.
• Investigate autoantibodies and their properties in rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis.
• Combine clinical data and laboratory findings to better understand disease processes.
• Design and conduct innovative translational research projects.
• Write scientific articles and present research findings at national and international conferences.

Skills

Translational research interest

Immunology interest

Epidemiological research interest

Education

MD with BIG registration

Job description

About Your Role

B cells and autoantibodies play a central role in autoimmune diseases, but many questions about their origin, characteristics, and role in certain disease processes remain unanswered.

About Your Role

B cells and autoantibodies play a central role in autoimmune diseases, but many questions about their origin, characteristics, and role in certain disease processes remain unanswered.
In this project, you will investigate autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis. You will map where these cells are located, how they behave, and how they contribute to disease activity. In doing so, you will work at the intersection of patient care, epidemiology, and basic immunological research.
The development of new research methods to visualize and characterize autoreactive B cells in various tissues, such as lymph nodes, is at the heart of this position. In addition, you will utilize existing patient cohorts in which extensive clinical data and biomaterials are already available.
As a physician-researcher, you will serve as the link between the clinic and the laboratory. You will analyze research data, interpret results together with researchers and clinicians, and translate findings into scientific publications. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in providing top-tier care for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.
This research is expected to lead to the completion of a PhD.

Your Main Responsibilities Are

• Characterise autoreactive B cells in different tissues and anatomical compartments.
• Investigate autoantibodies and their properties in rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis.
• Combine clinical data and laboratory findings to better understand disease processes.
• Design and conduct innovative translational research projects.
• Write scientific articles and present research findings at national and international conferences.

About Your Workplace

The Department of Rheumatology at LUMC is a EULAR Centre of Excellence where we study the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The Experimental Rheumatology laboratory offers a dynamic environment in which fundamental and clinical research are closely intertwined.

A dedicated and collegial team of researchers and clinicians values collaboration and scientific curiosity. The close connection between the clinic and laboratory creates an inspiring working environment where research findings can be translated directly into clinical practice.

About You

Curiosity about complex immunological questions and an interest in combining patient care with scientific research are important for this position. You are comfortable working independently as well as collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. You take initiative in research projects and communicate clearly with researchers and clinicians.

In Addition, You Have

• A completed degree in Medicine and valid BIG registration.
• An interest in translational research, immunology and/or epidemiological research.
• An affinity with autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.
• An interest in setting up and coordinating research projects.

Our offer

Driven by health; that is our mission. Naturally, this applies not only to our patients, but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable working environment in which talent development and connecting leadership are central. To support continuous learning and development, we offer internal training and continuing education. In addition, you are entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, a bicycle scheme, sports allowance, working-from-home allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. As an LUMC employee, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that LUMC pays no less than 70% of your pension contribution, leaving you with a higher net salary. A welcome benefit!

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical centre, LUMC strives for a workforce that reflects society. We are committed to the highest quality in healthcare, education and international research, where diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where everyone feels at home, safe and recognised.

What matters to us is who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we are working towards a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.

More information

• As a motivated research physician in Rheumatology, your salary will range from € 3,724 to € 5,867 gross per month (salary scale 10, CAO UMC). These amounts are based on full-time employment.
• A salary increase of 3.5% will apply from 1 May 2027.
• The selection procedure consists of several rounds. A presentation is part of the application procedure.
• References will be requested for this position.
• This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In accordance with LUMC policy, internal candidates will be given priority in the event of equal suitability.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.