Vacature AIO/PhD student

The BPRC is a scientific institute that conducts research with the aim of contributing to the development of new medicines for life-threatening human diseases and alternatives to animal testing. At www.bprc.nl you can read which subjects have our special attention and how we conduct our research.

We are looking for a

PhD student (4 years)

You will be joining the Departments of Parasitology and Animal Science that study malaria parasite biology and parasite-host interaction using a variety of cellular and imaging techniques with the view that better knowledge of the biology will lead to better treatment of malaria

The project:

This PhD project is part of a collaborative ERC-funded project between the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in Rijswijk, Radboud University in Nijmegen and the Amsterdam University Medical Center (AmsterdamUMC), where we study the (molecular) biology of dormant liver stage malaria parasites, so called hypnozoites. Dormancy and reactivation of hypnozoites are an unresolved biological mystery since decades and hypnozoites are a major obstacle to the curative treatment of malaria. The aim of this PhD project is to exploit sophisticated in vitro and in vivo imaging technology to visualize developing and dormant malaria parasites in the liver over time, to study where malaria parasites reside in the liver and what the hypnozoite reactivation kinetics are. When reactivation occurs, image-guided biopsies will be performed to allow ex vivomolecular analyses of parasites and surrounding tissues, to unravel parasite- and host triggers regulating dormancy and reactivation.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD candidate with the following qualifications:

Your features

• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, safety and collaboration
• You pay attention to details without losing overview
• You have excellent verbal & written communication skills in English and Dutch
• You have a positive attitude towards the research conducted in the institute

Your experience

• You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as biomedical sciences, (medical) biology, life sciences, or a related field;
• Experience in medical imaging is an advantage;
• Having completed education as a radiation protection expert at the level of a supervisory employee (old level 4B) is a plus;
• Experience working with laboratory animals (Article 9 certification) is a plus.

What we offer you

An independent and versatile position in a challenging environment with a diversity of great colleagues.

Available at

Parasitology & Animal Science Department
40 hours/week

Do you want to apply?

Are you interested in this position? Then we would like to receive your application with a motivation and a CV. You can send your application to: [email protected]

More information

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Marieke Stammes (+31 (0)15 284 27 83 or [email protected]) or dr. Anne-Marie Zeeman (015 284 25 91 or [email protected]).

www.bprc.nl