Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD Student position in the Biophysics of Cellular Immunity at the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht. This doctoral research role is situated at the exciting interface of biophysics and cellular immunology within the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI).
Overview
| Designation | PhD Student (OIO) |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Biophysics & Quantitative Cellular Immunology |
| Host Institution | UMC Utrecht, Center for Translational Immunology (CTI) |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Employment Type | Full-time (36 hours per week) |
| Salary / Stipend | €3,217 – €4,077 gross per month (plus allowances) |
| Application Deadline | 23 November 2026 |
Research Area
The research focuses on the mechanics and regulation of immune cell function, specifically exploring how physical forces influence cellular processes in health and disease. The project will center on establishing novel computational and image-analysis pipelines to quantitatively measure cellular forces during phagocytosis and interactions involving therapeutic cytotoxic T cells.
Scholarship / Position Description
In the laboratory of Dr. Daan Vorselen, researchers develop cutting-edge technologies to tune and measure cellular forces, combined with molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy. As a PhD researcher on this project, your work will be structured as follows:
- Analysis & Pipeline Development (~75%): Designing and implementing image analysis pipelines to enable high-throughput quantification of forces exerted by immune cells.
- Experimental Wet Lab Work (~25%): Conducting immune assays and operating high-resolution fluorescence imaging to generate quantitative data.
Benefits and Remuneration
- Monthly Salary: Between €3,217 and €4,077 gross per month (based on a full-time 36-hour working week).
- Allowances: An 8.3% year-end bonus and an 8% annual holiday allowance.
- Pension Scheme: Comprehensive pension plan via ABP, with approximately 70% of the monthly premium paid by the employer.
- Commuting Reimbursement: 100% public transportation cost reimbursement or €0.18 per km for travel by bicycle, foot, or car (up to 40 km one way).
- Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and state-of-the-art facilities including advanced flow cytometry and imaging centers.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biophysics, bionanoscience, bioinformatics (and biocomplexity), or in life sciences with demonstrable quantitative competencies.
- Demonstrated experience in programming and computational image analysis, with an eagerness to build new analysis pipelines.
- Practical hands-on wet lab experience, including mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy.
- Meticulous, proactive, and collaborative approach with strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official UMC Utrecht career portal. Prepare the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including academic background and publication record (if applicable).
- A comprehensive motivation letter highlighting your interest in the interface of biophysics and immunology.
- Contact information for at least two academic references.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 23 November 2026.
Apply Link
To view the full vacancy details and apply online, please visit the official job listing: Apply for PhD Student in Biophysics of Cellular Immunity
