Summary
The MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis: from Infection to Therapeutic innovations) program is offering a Doctoral Candidate (DC1) position at Amsterdam UMC. This EU-funded MSCA training program focuses on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in enterovirus Central Nervous System (CNS) disease, specifically investigating the impact of EV-A71 infection on brain and neuromuscular organoids.
Designation
Doctoral Candidate (DC1)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Amsterdam UMC (OrganoVIR Labs) |
| Project Name | MERIT (MSCA Training Programme) |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Duration | 4 Years (Full-time, 36 hours per week) |
| Monthly Salary | €3,217 to €4,077 (Gross) |
| Application Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
Research Area
The research focuses on Viral Pathogenesis and Host Metabolism. Specifically, the project investigates mitochondrial changes during Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection, including redistribution, calcium homeostasis disruption, and ROS generation in brain and neuromuscular organoids to identify therapeutic targets for viral encephalitis and paralysis.
Location
Amsterdam UMC (Location AMC), OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Eligibility and Qualification
To be eligible for this doctoral position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, infection, immunity, or related fields.
- Technical Skills: Experience with mammalian cell culture, qPCR, and bioinformatics is preferred.
- 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 interest in multidisciplinary research and motivated to work in an international environment.
Scholarship Description
The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive package including:
- A 4-year contract with Amsterdam UMC (36 hours/week) with a 6-month probation period.
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,217 to €4,077 (CAO-UMC, OIO).
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Full reimbursement for public transport travel or mileage allowance for private transport.
- Planned secondments at the University of Oslo (UiO) and VectorY Therapeutics.
- Access to a tailor-made pre-MBA programme, international conferences, and workshops on AI/LLM, ethics, and sustainability.
- Training in super-resolution microscopy, transcriptomics, and electrophysiology.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare their application materials (including CV and cover letter) and apply through the official MERIT recruitment portal. Ensure all documentation highlights your experience in biomedical sciences and your motivation for joining the OrganoVIR Labs.
Apply Link: Official MERIT Application Page
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
