PhD positions Immunogenetics

Working Environment

The Immunogenetics lab, chaired by Profs. Iris Jonkers and Sebo Withoff, works to uncover the genetic basis of complex immune-mediated diseases, with a focus on celiac disease (CeD). For this, we employ genomics approaches, including (single cell)RNAseq and ATACseq, metagenomics and others, to uncover alterations in CeD functional pathways. Because the complex genetic basis for CeD is impossible to model in animal models, and because of differences in immunology and physiology between animals and humans, we have also developed human model systems for the small intestine based on induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or biopsy-derives adult stem cells (ASCs) derived from patients and healthy controls. Lastly, we employ population studies to reveal the prevalence and characteristics of CeD in the general Northern Netherlands population. The Immunogenetics lab is part of the Department of Genetics of the UMCG, which conducts clinical, diagnostic, and basic research programs in a state-of-the-art laboratory and open-office environment Department of Genetics and Genetics. We thrive on close collaboration between affiliated postdocs, PhD-students, technicians, and internship students in the lab and on collaborations within the Department and externally. Our PhD students, postdocs and technicians will therefore be part of the assessment committee of the current positions.

Job description

To delineate the effects of genetic and environmental factors on CeD onset and progression that we have prioritized in our current research lines, we wish to expand on our current model systems to make them more physiologically relevant by including mucosal immunological or microbiome components. We envision that these patient-derived models will inform on the disease-specific barrier function and interactions with intestinal lymphocytes, and the viral or bacterial involvement in disease pathways. Moreover, we have experience with and want to expand on our expertise with CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering of genes of interest in our ASC and/or iPSC-derived organoid and intestine-on-chip models, as well as in intestinal tissue-resident lymphocytes. The read-outs will largely be Next Generation Sequencing-based to reveal unbiasedly the consequences of the genetic, immunological or microbial interventions that will be tested as part of the Immunogenetics lab research lines. Because CeD genetics and immunology overlap with that of other complex immune mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), our research is of interest for the broader scientific community and pharmaceutical industry.
The Immunogenetics team is looking for two highly motivated colleagues interested in studying the role of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors on immune-mediated disease in general, and especially in celiac disease (CeD).

Requirements

We are looking for recently graduated MSc-student with a background in Molecular Biology, Immunology or Biomedical Sciences with a passion for science. You must be enthusiastic, ambitious, curious, and intrinsically driven to obtain a PhD. The research in our Immunogenetics group is highly interdisciplinary and international. Excellent English writing and presentation skills are a must. Our research involves immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and often multiple people with different skills collaborate on projects. Hence, you must be a teamplayer and have good communicative skills. Ideal candidates have a demonstrable background/specialisation in molecular biology, immunology, and/or microbiology and has affinity for data analysis.
The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy and can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. I case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

Conditions of employment

You will get a temporary contract (36 hours a week) for 4 years. Your salary will be a
minimum of € 3.217.- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 4.077.- gross per month (scale PRO) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. Additionally, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus.The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy you may contact:
Sebo Withoff 06 5574 5783
s.withoff@umcg.nl Iris Jonkers 06 3655 6171
i.h.jonkers@umcg.nl

Applying for a job

Solliciteren

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 26 October 2026. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.
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