Summary
Leiden University’s Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for a project focused on understanding and modulating inflammatory Dendritic cell subsets in atherosclerosis. This project aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease by investigating the role of myeloid immune cells, particularly dendritic cells, in advanced atherosclerosis.
PhD Scholarship: Modulation of Inflammatory Dendritic Cell Subsets in Atherosclerosis at Leiden University
Designation
PhD Candidate
Scholarship Table
| Scholarship Type | Designation | Stipend (Monthly Gross) | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Scholarship | PhD Candidate | €3,204 (Year 1) – €4,051 (Year 4) | 4 years (initially 1 year, extendable) | Leiden, Netherlands |
Research Area
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Atherosclerosis
- Dendritic Cell Biology
- Drug Discovery
- Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
Location
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Faculty of Science, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Required:
- Recent Master’s degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical/Bio-medical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field.
- Strong background in immunology and/or cardiovascular research.
- English proficiency (verbally and written).
- Independent and creative team player with good communicative skills.
Advantageous:
- Experience with in vivo studies (artikel 9, proefdierkunde).
- Experience with spectral flow cytometry.
- Experience with single-cell sequencing (working in R).
- Experience with microscopical techniques and molecular biology.
Scholarship Description
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease underlying cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and stroke. Current treatments primarily target lipid levels, neglecting the chronic inflammation that contributes to plaque instability. This PhD project will investigate how inflammatory myeloid cell populations, specifically dendritic cell subsets, contribute to atherosclerosis progression.
The successful candidate will:
- Identify myeloid cell subsets, focusing on dendritic cells, in advanced human atherosclerosis and correlate them with patient characteristics.
- Investigate functional changes of different dendritic cell subsets in advanced atherosclerosis.
- Identify proatherogenic dendritic cell subsets and validate potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
This research will utilize available human atherosclerotic tissue and datasets, _in vitro_ studies, and _in vivo_ validation.
How to Apply
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the provided apply link. Ensure you upload the following documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of master’s thesis or any other publication (if available)
- Transcripts of your MSc studies and copy of your degree
- Written letters of recommendation by at least two former supervisors
For questions about the position, contact Dr. Laura Bosmans at l.a.bosmans@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. For recruitment process inquiries, contact Mrs. Cathy van der Ploeg at c.c.m.van.der.ploeg@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.
Last Date for Apply
October 31, 2026
Apply Link
