Are you an MSc graduate in viro-immunology and keen to help replace traditional animal testing? As a PhD researcher within a new European consortium, you will advance, standardize, and qualify a cutting-edge human cell-based model to evaluate RSV immunity. Working alongside leading scientists and regulators across Europe, you will deepen your expertise in advanced methodologies like single-cell RNA sequencing while shaping non-animal approaches in vaccine research. This role offers a clear path to complete your PhD thesis, publish high-impact literature, and build an international network at the intersection of science and public health.
Developing Advanced Human Epithelial Models for RSV
Traditionally, research into respiratory virus infection and immunity has relied on small animal models and in vitro cultures of immortalized cell lines. Bridging these experimental systems, differentiated primary human epithelial cell culture models are gaining ground, but their use in vaccine research remains limited due in part to a lack of immunological components and standardization of these models. We have recently developed a novel virus neutralization model for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus causes considerable morbidity and mortality in infants and older adults, and first-generation preventive strategies have recently become available. Our novel neutralization model builds upon the previously established air–liquid interface respiratory epithelial transwell model, which includes functional multiciliated and mucus-producing goblet cells.
Your responsibilities
Within a new European consortium, you will apply the RSV neutralization model as a use case to advance its standardization and qualification as a new approach methodology (NAM) in collaboration with regulatory partner institutes in the UK and Germany. In addition, you will dive deeper into the possibilities of this model to provide insights into population variability as well as viral escape mutants. With this project, you will contribute to the implementation of novel in vitro methodologies that will increase our understanding of antiviral mucosal immunity and reduce the need for animal experiments.
Your role will involve:
- Co-design of a standardization plan for the RSV neutralization model, in collaboration with (regulatory) consortium partners, including technical transfer of the model to partner sites.
- Performing extensive cell culture work including viral infections at BSL-2/ML-II biosafety level, aimed at standardization and further exploration of the RSV neutralization model.
- Various molecular biological and virological techniques, including (confocal) microscopy, virus titration, RT-qPCR, single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex immunoassays.
- Systematic literature reviewing of available and ongoing studies related to the use of in vitro models of respiratory viral infection and immunity.
- Analyze and interpret data, publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present the results in the institute as well as at (inter-)national conferences and prepare a PhD thesis based on your findings.
- Participate in a team of virologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians and regulators at RIVM and collaborating institutes to share and discuss the results of your studies.
About the RIVM department
The Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IIV) at RIVM serves as the government's knowledge center in the field of immunology of infectious diseases and vaccines. The core mission of IIV is to provide information and advice on vaccine effectiveness, vaccination strategies, and immune responses to infectious diseases, supporting government policy and informing the public. Research at IIV focuses on optimizing the effectiveness and safety of current and future vaccination programs, immunosurveillance, age-related efficacy of immune responses, and identifying correlates of protection.
Within IIV, the Department of Immune Mechanisms - Immunological Models (IIM) employs immunological models to support the core mission of IIV. You will be part of IIM, an international, dynamic, and highly motivated team of approximately 20 scientists and technicians at various stages of our careers, united by a strong drive to advance immunological research for the benefit of public health. We combine expertise in virology, immunology, and bioinformatics, and we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork.
About the PhD programme
The intended start date is February 1st, 2027. The PhD programme lasts four years. Your appointment is initially for one year. At the end of the first year, an evaluation takes place according to the standard procedure. If this evaluation is positive, the appointment will be extended by three years.
During the PhD research, your salary is set as follows according to Functiegebouw Rijk (FGR):
- First year: €3,333.81, according to scale 8, step 0.
- Second year: €3.741,48, according to scale 8, step 5.
- Third year: €3.984,50, according to scale 8, step 7.
- Fourth year: €4.132,76, according to scale 8, step 8.
How to apply and more information
You can address your application to IIM manager Jørgen de Jonge. Do you have any questions before applying? Please contact project leader Puck van Kasteren (+316 311 423 91), she is more than happy to answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
In the event of substantial interest in this vacancy, we may invite a larger group of candidates for a short 15-minute online interview, including a brief pitch and two or three predefined questions