PhD candidate for the project "Modulation of inflammatory Dendritic cell subsets in atherosclerosis"

This PhD position focuses on modulating inflammatory dendritic cell subsets in atherosclerosis. The project involves identifying these cell subsets in human atherosclerosis, investigating their functional changes, and validating therapeutic targets. Applicants need a Master's degree in a relevant field and a strong background in immunology or cardiovascular research.

• The aim of your PhD project is to obtain novel knowledge regarding myeloid immune cells in cardiovascular disease, specifically in advanced atherosclerosis.
• 1) identify myeloid cell subsets, with a particular focus on dendritic cells, in advanced human atherosclerosis and associate these with patient characteristics
• 2) investigate the functional changes of different dendritic cell subsets in advanced atherosclerosis
• 3) identify proatherogenic dendritic cell subsets and validate potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
• You will make use of available human atherosclerotic tissue and datasets, design and perform in vitro studies and validate findings in vivo .

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, bright, well-motivated and ambitious scientist:
• With a recent Master degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical/Bio-medical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field,
• Strong background in immunology and/or cardiovascular research,
• With experience with in vivo studies (artikel 9, proefdierkunde), spectral flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing (working in R), microscopical techniques and molecular biology is an advantage,
• English proficiency (verbally and written),
• Who is an independent and creative team player with good communicative skills.

• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development.
• Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.
• For international spouses we have set up a dual career program.
• Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions .
• We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year.
• After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years.
• You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• The salary ranges from € 3.204,- per month in the first year to € 4.051,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science.
• Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness.
• In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.