Doctoral Candidate 1
Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in enterovirus CNS disease
About MERIT
MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis: from Infection to Therapeutic innovations) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at better understanding how viruses affect the human body. Coordinated by Dr. Adithya Sridhar, Assistant Professor, and Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt, Professor of Pediatric Infectious diseases, from the OrganoVIR Labs at Amsterdam UMC (location AMC), this project brings together 7 academic institutions and 12 associated partners from across Europe.
Within MERIT, researchers will take a new, holistic approach that focuses on infections and host metabolism to unravel virus-induced metabolic reprogramming and its impact on human health. The project’s objective lies in understanding the complex interplay between viruses and host cells, focusing on metabolic reprogramming, and long-term consequences of infection. This will be achieved by combining three methodological pillars: human organoids, integrative and spatial omics, and advanced microscopy.
Background of project
The antiviral functions of the mitochondrial antiviral signalling protein in viral RNA detection and interferon response come at the cost of metabolic reprogramming and dysfunction. Mitochondrial changes during enterovirus infections include redistribution of mitochondria, disruption of calcium homeostasis, and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, the specific effects of Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection in a relevant tissue model remain largely unexplored. This doctoral project aims to bridge this gap by investigating the impact of EV-A71 infection on mitochondrial function in brain and neuromuscular organoids, providing crucial insights into the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis and paralysis, and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Job description
At the Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands, MERIT is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Packages 1 and 3. As DC1, your objectives are:
To identify changes to the mitochondria (localisation, number, size) using super-resolution microscopy
To evaluate ROS production and its consequences on respiration and bioenergetics
To sketch the transcriptomic changes with a focus on mitochondria-specific genes and pathways
To link viral infection-induced mitochondrial changes to functional effects using electrophysiology
You will be guided during your research project by Dr. Adithya Sridhar and Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Requirements
Master's degree in biomedical sciences, infection, immunity or related fields
Experience working with mammalian cell culture, qPCR, and bioinformatics are preferred
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (minimum C1/C2 CEFR level)
An interest in working in a multidisciplinary research group
Have not resided/carried out work or studies in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before 1 April 2027.
What we offer
A contract with Amsterdam UMC Research BV for 36 hours per week for 4 years (probation of 6 months).
The opportunity to work on large-scale and in-house research with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
Planned secondments to University of Oslo (UiO) & VectorY Therapeutics
Training in safety and biosecurity aligned with international best practices. You will be trained in hazard identification, containment, incident reporting, and dual-use/gain-of-function issues.
An opportunity to take part in a tailor-made pre-MBA programme to develop entrepreneurial and commercial skills and other network-wide training opportunities including conferences and courses, a Personal Development Plan, non-academic coaching, and workshops on topics including ethics and sustainability and AI/LLM.
Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,153 to €4,615 (in accordance with CAO-UMC, scale 10).
A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of the gross annual salary.
100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each. Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
About the host institution
The OrganoVIR Labs is uniquely embedded within both the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention (MMI) and the Department of Pediatrics and is affiliated with the Amsterdam Immunity and Infection Institute (AIII), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development (AR&D), and Emma Centre for Personalized Medicine (Emma CPM). This multidisciplinary positioning fosters close collaboration between fundamental, translational, and clinical research.
OrganoVIR Labs has access to various advanced facilities including level 3, state-of-the-art molecular biology and culture facilities and access to high-throughput sequencing. Through its integration with the Department of Pediatrics, OrganoVIR Labs also benefits from extensive clinical expertise in the care of children with a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions. The department’s multidisciplinary approach and extensive clinical expertise support the translation of research findings into improved outcomes for pediatric patients.