PhD student COVID-19 nasopharyngeal microbiome & immunology

We are looking for a PhD candidate with an interest in infectious disease epidemiology and translational microbiome research, and with Master’s level knowledge of microbiology and immunology. The main aim of your PhD research will be to assess interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, other respiratory viruses, and the nasopharyngeal microbiome, and whether these differ depending on age, gender, disease severity, and immunological status. We have collected extensive data before, during, and after COVID-19 episodes from cohort study participants and hospitalized patients, including nasopharyngeal microbiome, respiratory virus diagnostic, immunological, and clinical data. You will assemble datasets and analyse data, using techniques for high-dimensional microbiome data as well as traditional epidemiological data.

As part of your 4-year PhD track, you will be offered enrolment in the MSc Epidemiology programme (https://www.msc-epidemiology.nl/) to improve your epidemiological, biostatistical, and bioinformatics skills. You will be given opportunities to present the results of your research at (inter)national conferences and meetings.

Finally, you will write and defend a PhD dissertation comprising of multiple scientific manuscripts to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

You have a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, medicine or a related field. Master’s level knowledge of microbiology and immunology are required. Ability to read, write, and communicate in English is also required. Experience with epidemiology, data management, biostatistics, and/or bioinformatics is an advantage, and willingness to improve your skills in these areas is required. The ideal candidate is a team player, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and completes tasks within agreed-upon timelines. A good ability to think critically is expected. We believe in the power of a diverse team in which there is room for diverse skills, expertise, and social and cultural backgrounds.

We offer a 4-year appointment as PhD candidate (in Dutch: ‘onderzoeker in opleiding’ or OIO) for 36 hours per week. 

We believe in the power of a diverse team in which there is room for different skills, expertise, and social and cultural backgrounds. We invite you to respond to this vacancy.

The maximum salary for this position (36 hours) is € 3.271,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

You will be based in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology programme within the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht. Your primary supervisor within this programme will be Professor Janneke van de Wijgert. The programme consists of about 10 academic staff who closely collaborate with infection and immunity academic staff in the Department of Primary Care (also in the Julius Center) and in the various clinical departments of the UMC Utrecht. In addition to your primary supervisor, you will have secondary supervisors who are members of the UMC Utrecht microbiome group, housed within the Department of Medical Microbiology. You will become part of a dynamic group of PhD students in the Julius Center and in the Department of Medical Microbiology, and you will have ample opportunities to participate in infectious disease epidemiology and microbiology seminars.