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PhD in 'Biophysical mechanics of immune cell functioning

article_published_on_label
3 maart 2025
Locatie
Wageningen
Einddatum
ma 24 maart 2025
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Your job

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher who is fascinated by the fundamental principles underlying immune cell behavior? Are you enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and physics? Are you excited about using a multifaceted approach combining mathematical modelling, computer simulations, and experiment including immune assays, microscopy, and/or microfluidics? Then you could be the ideal PhD candidate for this position!

What are you going to do?

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate who will

• construct a theoretical framework/computational model that accurately captures the biophysical mechanics driving phagocytosis and
• test this model using quantitative experimental measurements of phagocytic dynamics.

The theoretical and experimental part will ideally constitute roughly equal parts in this project. In the experimental part, you will use high-resolution microscopy and biophysical measurements to quantify phagocytic dynamics, and/or use microfluidics to design particles with specific properties to interrogate these dynamics. In the theoretical part, you will design models to capture the essentials of the physics underlying these dynamics. This combination allows directly testing model predictions, and together this research aims to advance our understanding of cytoskeletal mechanics and phagocytosis.

Mammalian cells are often required to actively large (micrometer) particles as part of the immune response against pathogenic intruders via a complex and intricate process known as phagocytosis. Phagocytic engulfment has recently also been identified as a therapeutic target in various diseases, incl. cancer and atherosclerosis.

Theoretical tools from traditional “non-living” soft matter physics have been co-opted to construct minimal mathematical models of key biological processes, including phagocytosis. Concurrently, new experimental techniques have recently enabled significant advancements in the measurements of phagocytic dynamics. The scientific development of both modelling approaches and novel quantitative experimental techniques makes this the opportune moment to extend key concepts from soft matter physics, continuum mechanics, and polymer physics, to understand the highly complex phenomena of phagocytosis.

You will work here

The research is embedded within the
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
and
Cell Biology and Immunology
chair groups. You will be directly, and jointly, supervised by
Dr. Uddalok Sen
(
Physics of Soft Matter lab
) and
Dr. Daan Vorselen
.
You will simultaneously be part of two small and highly interdisciplinary teams. The project offers opportunities for local and international collaboration, guaranteeing a dynamic working environment.

Your qualities

You have:

• a successfully completed MSc degree in biological or physical sciences, or a related discipline;
• a strong and proven affinity with interdisciplinary research, preferably at the interface of physics and biology or mathematics and biology;
• good quantitative skills and strong analytical capabilities, incl. solving mathematical equations;
• either experience with mathematical/computational modeling of biological processes and strong interest in learning cell culture, fluorescence microscopy and/or microfluidics;
• or experience with cell culture, fluorescence microscopy and/or microfluidics and strong interest to learn mathematical/computational modeling of biological processes;

And you are proactive in coming up with innovative solutions to experimental and modeling challenges.
For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1
level
. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found
here
.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent
terms of employment

. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- in the fourth year in according to the
(scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "

best university
" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and
information
about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Uddalok Sen, by email:
Uddalok.sen@wur.nl

, or Dr. Daan Vorselen, by email:
daan.vorselen@wur.nl
.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter, by e-mail:
rutger.voorrips@wur.nl
.

Ready to apply?

Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply until the 24
th
of March 2025. The first interviews are scheduled shortly after the closing date.

Welcome, safe, and valued

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the
5 reasons
why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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