There is a poor understanding of the pathogenesis of disease in humans for many viruses such as dengue virus due to a lack of adequate human models. Therefore, this specific project within the OrganoVIR Labs at Amsterdam UMC will employ advanced human blood-brain barrier and brain organoids to study neuropathogenesis of dengue virus. In addition to understanding viral pathogenesis, this project will involve the use of super-resolution microscopy for organoid imaging and testing of antiviral effectiveness against dengue virus.

We are looking for an enthusiastic doctoral candidate for the COMBAT consortium. COMBAT is a Horizon Research and Innovation Action (RIA) project. It will leverage advanced technologies from across Europe and knowledge from endemic regions to develop innovative solutions for dengue prevention and treatment. The COMBAT consortium will advance our understanding of dengue virus disease and create scalable tools for pandemic preparedness.

The COMBAT initiative involves fifteen international partners: Karolinska Institute (coordinator), Amsterdam UMC, the Arctic University of Norway, Justus Liebig University, Lund University, BioBoxGT, React4Life Spa, Olink Proteomics AB, Chip NanoImaging AS, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Regional Center of Biotechnology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Devki Devi Foundation Society, Artemis Medicare Services Ltd, and University of Missouri.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

As a PhD student, your work is characterized by deep engagement in research, critical thinking, and academic writing.

• Your daily routine may include designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings.
• You also spend time writing and revising your dissertation, which is a comprehensive document that outlines your research methodology, results, and conclusions.
• The aim is to finalize your working period with a PhD thesis, represents the culmination of years of dedicated work.

We are looking for a highly motivated, pro-active, ambitious PhD candidate who has:

• A master’s degree in infectious diseases, microbiology, biomedical sciences, neurosciences or related fields.
• Experience working with cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids are preferred.
• Knowledge of statistics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• An interest in working in a multidisciplinary research group.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 48 months (probation of 6 months).
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross per month based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 186,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

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

Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

This PhD project is supervised by Prof. Dr. D. Pajkrt (Professor Viral Pediatric Infectious Diseases Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center) and Dr. Adithya Sridhar, (Assistant professor Pediatrics and Clinical Virology). It is embedded in the research group OrganoVIR Labs in the department of Microbiology at the Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam.

The AMC (part of Amsterdam UMC) houses the university hospital and the medical faculty of the University of Amsterdam, as well as several research institutes. The OrganoVIR Labs is a part of the department of Pediatrics and department of Medical Microbiology at Amsterdam UMC. You will also work together with other PhD students, research technicians and staff members of OrganoVIR Labs. Laboratories at the OrganoVIR Labs have biosafety facilities up to level 3, state-of-the-art molecular biology and culture facilities and access to high-throughput sequencing.

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

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. D. Pajkrt via d.pajkrt@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test 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 is not appreciated.