PhD position in 'Biophysical mechanics of immune cell functioning

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, immune assays, microscopy, and 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.

This research combines controlled experiments, high-resolution microscopy, and microparticle traction force microscopy to quantitatively, and establishing a theoretical framework to capture the essential dynamics, this research aims to advance our understanding of cytoskeletal mechanics and phagocytosis, one of the most essential processes in cell biology.

Mammalian cells are often required to actively large (micrometric) particles as part of the immune response against pathogenic intruders via a complex and intricate process known as phagocytosis. Recent results have also shown that the phagocytic engulfment of specialized drug-carrier particles can be harnessed for combating a range of diseases.

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;
• Fundamental understanding of biological physics and cell mechanics and/or soft matter physics;
• Good quantitative skills and strong analytical capabilities;
• Experience with mathematical/computational modeling of biological processes;
• Experience with cell culture and/or fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics;

And off course 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 December 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 € 2.872,- per month rising to € 3.670,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (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.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

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, uddalok.sen@wur.nl or
Dr. Daan Vorselen, daan.vorselen@wur.nl

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

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including December 16th, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews 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”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!


We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.