The MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis) program, an EU-funded MSCA training initiative, is offering a Doctoral Candidate (DC7) position at Amsterdam UMC. This research project focuses on understanding how HIV impacts the human brain, specifically exploring the links between HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Key Information
| Designation | Doctoral Candidate (DC7) |
| Program | MERIT (EU-funded MSCA) |
| Host Institution | Amsterdam UMC (OrganoVIR Labs) |
| Research Area | HIV-induced neurodegeneration and lipid metabolism |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Duration | 4 Years (36 hours per week) |
| Application Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
Research Area
The project, titled “Mechanisms of HIV-induced neurodegeneration,” aims to investigate the common links between HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The research focuses on disrupted lipid metabolism and TDP-43 proteinopathy using iPSC-derived microglia-embedded brain organoids. By characterizing lipid profile changes following HIV infection, the candidate will seek to identify potential mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in individuals living with HIV.
Scholarship Description
As Doctoral Candidate 7, the successful applicant will work within Work Packages 1 and 2 of the MERIT project. Primary objectives include:
- Characterizing lipidomic profiles of HIV-infected brain organoids compared to healthy organoids.
- Assessing and altering TDP-43 proteinopathy in HIV-infected organoids.
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team at OrganoVIR Labs under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt and Dr. Renata Vieira de Sá.
The position includes planned secondments at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).
Eligibility/Qualification
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: An MSc or MD degree (or close to completion) in (bio)medical sciences, biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field.
- Technical Skills: Solid foundation in molecular and cellular biology and immunology. Expertise in virology, 3D cell culture, or tissue engineering is highly desirable.
- Language: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (minimum C1/C2 CEFR level).
- Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before 1 April 2027.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
Benefits
- A 4-year contract with Amsterdam UMC (36 hours/week).
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,217 to €4,077 (CAO-UMC, OIO).
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Travel reimbursement for public transport (100%) or private transport (€0.18/km).
- Access to a tailor-made pre-MBA program and extensive network-wide training in ethics, sustainability, and AI.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official MERIT recruitment portal or the Amsterdam UMC careers page. Ensure all academic transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter are prepared for submission. Applications must demonstrate how the candidate meets both the academic requirements and the MSCA mobility rule.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Apply Link: Official Application Portal
