As a PhD student in the Department of Parasitology, you will join a research group investigating cellular immunology of parasitic infections. It has been found that parasitic helminth infections have a profound immune modulatory effect on the host immune system leading to altered immune responses to parasite-derived and bystander antigens. The research interest of the group lies in detailed molecular mechanisms by which helminth-derived molecules interact with specific cells of the immune system and alter signalling and function of these target cells. Dendritic cells are central to the control of immune responses and form one of the major cells that are being studied as targets of modulation by helminth-derived molecules. The specific PhD project “Parasitic helminthes: the characterization of immune modulatory molecules and mechanisms” is part of an international collaborative network that investigates how helminth-derived excretory-secretory molecules modulate the immune system in vitro and in vivo.

Requirements

University Graduate
You hold an MSc in Biomedical Sciences or related subject with an emphasis on biochemistry and immunology. Experience in cell culture and flow cytometry is advantageous as is an interest in cell biology and cell signalling. The ability to work independently and good communication skills as well as enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity and flexibility are important selection criteria. You are expected to present the findings of your research in a PhD thesis.

Additional information about the job:
A complete description of this position can be found on our website, www.lumc.nl (select ‘working for us’). There you can also read about what the LUMC has to offer as an employer. You may also contact us by telephone. If you have any questions, or if you want more information about this position, please contact Prof Dr M. Yazdanbakhsh, head of Cellular Immunology, telephone +31 (0)71 526 50 67, e-mail M.Yazdanbakhsh@lumc.nl or dr. H.H. Smits and dr. F.C. Hartgers senior researchers, Department of Parasitology, telephone +31(0)71 526 50 70, e-mail h.h.Smits@lumc.nl or F.C.Hartgers@lumc.nl.

Organization

Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum
At the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), we are continually seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The LUMC aims for excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training and continuing education. You will work within the Cellular Immunology section of the Department of Parasitology. The Department enjoys excellent technological platforms for characterising parasite-derived molecules structurally (both protein and glycans) and houses cutting-edge immunological laboratories where cellular immunological responses can be studied in great detail. The research group ‘Cellular immunology of parasitic infections’ is comprised of two senior research staff members specialising in immunology, one senior post doctoral fellow with experience in immunoepidemiology, eight international PhD students, three research technicians and a number of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Conditions of employment

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 – 2500

Maximum salary amount in Euro’s a month 2046
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 36

Additional conditions of employment:

What we offer
You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for four years conditional on a positive first-year appraisal. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, with a maximum of € 2,046 gross per month in the first year, increasing progressively to a maximum of € 2,622 gross per month in the fourth year (scale for trainee research assistants, Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).

How to apply
If you are interested in the position listed above, please apply before 22 June 2009 by sending your application, including your CV and a brief statement of interest, to LUMC, Attn. G.P. de Jong, P&O-advisor, Bureau Bedrijfsvoering division 5 (T7-P), PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. Please clearly quote the vacancy number E.09.GJ.28/AT23 both on the envelope and on the letter. You may also apply by e-mail, div5secretariaat@lumc.nl, or via www.lumc.nl (choose ‘working for us’).

Additional Information

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:

http://www.lumc.nl/

Application

You can apply for this job by sending your application to:

LUMC
Dienst P en O, divisie 5 (T7-P)
G.P. de Jong
Postbus 9600
2300RC Leiden
Nederland
E-mail address: div5secretariaat@lumc.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number E.09.GJ.28/AT23.