PHD position: Nanotechnology to super-charge immune cells

Your job

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher fascinated by the immune system and immune dysfunction? Do you thrive on exploring fundamental aspects of immunology and embrace challenges with enthusiasm? Are you eager to apply an interdisciplinary approach that integrates nanotechnology, immunology, and advanced imaging techniques? If so, you might be the ideal PhD candidate for this exciting position!

About the Project
Our research group, led by Prof. Mangala Srinivas, has been investigating the use of nanoparticles for immune modulation over several years. This project will focus on loading immune cells with nanoparticles to alter their metabolism. You will co-culture these cells with 3D tumor spheroids and assess their impact using a variety of techniques, including cutting-edge imaging methods.

In addition to working with cellular systems, you will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to track and assess these immune cells over time, developing a longitudinal perspective on their behavior and impact.
This project will allow you to acquire a broad set of skills and techniques. We also prioritise mental health and well-being within our research group, ensuring a supportive environment.

You will work here
You will join the Immune Dynamics section of the Cell Biology & Immunology (CBI), working closely with Prof. Srinivas and a small, collaborative team within CBI. This project offers numerous opportunities for both local and international collaboration, providing a dynamic and stimulating research environment.

Your qualities

We are seeking a candidate with the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field;
• Expertise in cellular and molecular immunology;
• Experience with cell culture, and possibly also flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy;
• Strong affinity for interdisciplinary research;
• Excellent communication skills in English (both oral and written);
• Preferably, some experience with NMR and/or MRI.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at or above the C1 level. It may be 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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 Prof. Mangala Srinivas, by e-mail mangala.srinivas@wur.nl .

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, by email noorien.abbas@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 28 October, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date. The intended starting date of the position is 1 February 2025.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

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.