Within the Proteomics Core Resource at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, we are looking for a PhD candidate to join the recently funded NWA-ORC project META-IMMUNOTYPES – Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases.
Metabolic syndrome affects up to 40% of the population and substantially increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. Despite its prevalence, many biological mechanisms underlying disease development remain poorly understood.
The META-IMMUNOTYPES consortium investigates how the immune system and metabolism interact in metabolic syndrome and related conditions. By combining advanced technologies with simple blood tests, the project aims to identify early biological warning signals before symptoms develop. Ultimately, the consortium seeks to enable timely lifestyle interventions that help prevent chronic disease rather than treat it.
As a PhD candidate, you will become part of a multidisciplinary network of researchers within the departments of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology and Pathology at Amsterdam UMC.
Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.
You will investigate how lifestyle factors and biological diversity influence the plasma proteome and blood cell components, including extracellular vesicles and immune cell subsets. Your research contributes to a large longitudinal lifestyle intervention study involving clinicians, translational researchers and data scientists.
Working closely with a postdoctoral researcher and experts from multiple disciplines, you will integrate proteomics with other advanced molecular datasets to identify novel biomarkers for disease prevention.
Your responsibilities include:
-
designing and conducting proteomics experiments within the META-IMMUNOTYPES project;
-
analysing plasma proteomics together with immune monitoring, metabolomics and flow cytometry datasets;
-
developing innovative data models in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher and other consortium partners;
-
identifying biomarker candidates for next-generation miniaturized screening assays;
-
presenting your findings at scientific conferences and publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher who enjoys working at the interface of molecular biology, proteomics and translational medicine. You thrive in a collaborative research environment and are eager to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions.
You also have:
-
a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, biomolecular sciences or a related discipline; candidates who are close to completing their degree are also encouraged to apply;
-
a strong background in proteomics, immunology, immunometabolism or a closely related research field;
-
experience with protein biochemistry techniques and an interest in omics data analysis, bioinformatics and biostatistics;
-
the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams;
-
excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
-
You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
-
A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
-
Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here.
-
Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
-
100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
-
Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
-
Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
You will join the Proteomics Core Resource (ProCoRe) and the affiliated OncoProteomics and Clinical Proteomics Laboratory at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. Our mission is to develop, implement and apply innovative proteomics technologies and advanced data analysis to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of disease, with a strong focus on chronic diseases associated with ageing.
Our infrastructure includes various platforms for state-of-the-art nanoLC-MS/MS (TimsTOF-HT, QExactive HF, the latest timsUltra AIP is being installed). The technologies and methods developed within our laboratory are used to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets and support preclinical, translational and clinical research across Amsterdam UMC.
Our team builds on more than 20 years of experience in clinical proteomics research and has published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Our internationally recognised research has received several prestigious awards, including the Clinical and Translational Proteome Science Award from the Human Proteome Organisation (2022) and the Juan Pablo Albar Proteome Pioneer Award from the European Proteomics Association (2025). You will join an ambitious and collaborative team where scientific excellence, innovation and professional development go hand in hand.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the video to find out more.
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Connie Jimenez, PhD, at [email protected] or Sander Piersma at [email protected].
A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.
