Doctoral candidate 11
Role of lipid metabolism in virus-induced neurodegeneration
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
Viruses exploit host lipids throughout their lifecycle, from entry to replication and egress, significantly altering cellular lipid signaling and metabolism. Clinical data have revealed dynamic changes in the lipidome associated with viral infections, but the precise role of these alterations in neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. This project aims to elucidate the complex interplay among viral infections, lipid metabolism, and neurodegeneration using advanced techniques, including LC-MS/MS and MALDI-MS, in brain organoid models. This study will focus on HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and investigate how dysregulated lipid metabolism contributes to neuronal damage, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. By mapping virus-induced metabolic changes in neurons and glial cells, we will identify biosynthetic pathways disrupted during infection.
Job description
At the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands, MERIT is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Packages 1 and 2. As DC11, your objectives are:
To understand how viral infections modulate lipid biosynthetic pathways in neurons and glial cells
To identify specific lipid classes, species, and metabolites affected by viral infections
To investigate the therapeutic targeting of lipid metabolism for controlling virus-induced neurodegeneration.
You will be guided during your research project by Dr. Elena Sanchez Lopez, Dr. Nina Ogrinc and Prof. Dr. Martin Giera. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Requirements
Master's degree in analytical chemistry, biomedical sciences, or related fields.
Practical experience with mass spectrometry (LC-MS and/or MALDI-MS based techniques).
Experience with data processing and analysis is 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 LUMC for 36 hours per week for 4 years (probation of 6 months).
Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,217 to €4,077 (scale PRO, CAO UMC). A salary increase of 3.5% will take effect on 1 May 2027.
You are entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, a bicycle scheme, sports allowance, home-working compensation, and an excellent commuting reimbursement scheme. As an employee of LUMC, you will also be enrolled in the ABP pension fund. This means that as much as 70% of your pension contribution is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. A nice benefit indeed! (See all employment conditions of the LUMC)
The opportunity to work in a safe, inclusive, and equitable working environment.
Planned secondments to the Amsterdam UMC and Medical University Innsbruck.
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.
About the host institution
The Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM) at LUMC is the technological expertise center and innovation partner of the LUMC in the analysis of proteins, metabolites, lipids and glycan structures from biological materials such as cells and tissues. Mass spectrometry is the core technology within CPM and is complemented by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and advanced miniaturised separation techniques. The selected candidate will join the Metabolomics and the Mass Spectrometry Imaging groups.
As an academic medical center, LUMC strives for a workforce that reflects the diversity of society. We are committed to excellence in healthcare, education and (international) research, where diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also one of our key priorities: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where everyone feels welcome, safe, and recognised. We value who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we are building a sustainable and inclusive future for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.