We offer a PhD position to develop multidimensional flow-cytometry approaches, first using blood cells, then translating these to rapid characterization of inhaled particles such as microplastics and pollen and their immune effects.
Deadline: 21 Mar '27
Published: 22 Sep '26
Research fields: Engineering; Environmental science; Biological sciences
Job types: PhD
Education level: University graduate
Weekly hours: 36 hours per week
Salary indication: €3217—€4077 per month
Location: Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht
Job description
Small particles such as pollen and microplastics in the environment are involved in triggering inflammatory diseases, but current methods for monitoring these particles rely largely on labor-intensive identification approaches and provide limited information on the diversity of particles present. We aim to develop a novel portable system for rapid and multidimensional characterization of inhaled particles using portable flow cytometry. The candidate will develop the analytical and experimental approaches required to distinguish particles based on their multidimensional characteristics. As a first step, these approaches will be developed and validated using well-characterized blood cells, building on the group's expertise in flow cytometry and cellular heterogeneity. Subsequently, the technology will be adapted and translated to the characterization of particles in environmental samples. The project combines flow cytometry, multidimensional data analysis, cell and particle characterization, and technology development, ultimately aiming to bring laboratory-based measurements towards a portable system for real-world environmental monitoring.
Requirements
- You (nearly) completed a MSc degree in a relevant area of research such as immunology, cellular biology, biophysics, analytical sciences, or a related discipline and have experience with laboratory research.
- Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology or quantitative data analysis is a plus.
- You are interested in developing and applying novel technologies and are willing to learn and work across disciplinary boundaries.
- You collaborate with colleagues, share knowledge and skills, and contribute to a positive team environment.
- You plan and organize your work effectively and take responsibility for your own research.
- When experiments do not work as expected, you critically evaluate the results and explore alternative approaches.
- You communicate your findings clearly, both in writing and when presenting scientific data.
- You approach scientific questions with curiosity, take initiative and actively seek to understand and solve new problems.
There is no fixed closing date for this vacancy. We will close the vacancy once we have found a suitable candidate.
Conditions of employment
The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.217,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.
In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).
Department
We are looking for a PhD student to join the PI group of Dr. Nienke Vrisekoop and develop a novel approach for multidimensional particle characterization, building on established expertise in flow cytometry and translating approaches from cellular to environmental particle analysis. The group of Dr. Vrisekoop is embedded within the Department of Respiratory Medicine as well as the Center for Translational Immunology. The group performs fundamental and translational research on immune cell dynamics in health and disease, with extensive expertise in multidimensional flow cytometry and advanced cellular analysis. This project will build on this expertise and extend it towards environmental particle characterization. This research project is part of the national NWA consortium project ExpACT.
Additional information
Contact our colleague:
Nienke Vrisekoop
088-7553946
N.Vrisekoop@umcutrecht.nl
Werken bij UMC Utrecht
Werken in het UMC Utrecht betekent werken op het snijvlak van onderzoek, onderwijs, zorg en techniek. In onze academische setting leren en innoveren we continu en zijn nieuwe ontwikkelingen altijd binnen handbereik.
