PhD neural organoids to predict neuroinvasive viruses MSCA-DN

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to work as a doctoral candidate on the MSCA-DN DETECTIVE project.

For rapid control of virus outbreaks, fast availability of antivirals is a major bottleneck. In DETECTIVE, innovative models will be used for setting up an antiviral testing pipeline without the need for animals models.

This doctoral project will focus on developing patient-derived organotypic models to test and optimise broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. Organotypic models, such as human organoids, are miniaturised in vitro organ cultures that mimic the human tissue-specific context. In this project, gut organoid models co-cultured with immune cells will be used to determine antiviral efficacy of available broadly acting antiviral against a scala of outbreak viruses such as enteroviruses and West-Nile virus.

Patient-specific responses to virus infections will be assessed with integrated -omics techniques, and patient-dependent responses to antiviral therapy will be used to develop personalized medicine regimens for the future. With this project we will set the stage for an innovative human antiviral testing pipeline for viral outbreaks.

At the Amsterdam UMC, DETECTIVE is looking for a doctoral candidate (DC) to work on Work Package 1. As DC6, your objectives are:

• To establish patient-derived gut organoid mucosa models
• To test a panel of broadly acting antiviral compounds in patient-derived gut mucosa organoid models
• To identify virus and host factors determining treatment response by transcriptomics and proteomics

You will be supervised by:

• Dr. Katja Wolthers
• Dr. Adithya Sridhar

You will undertake international secondments within the DETECTIVE network, including:

• the Dutch Public Health Institute (Utrecht, Netherlands)
• the University of Tampere (Tampere, Finland)

These secondments will provide exposure to both academic and industrial research environments and offer opportunities to develop complementary scientific and transferable skills.

• master’s degree in biomedical sciences, infection, immunity or related fields;
• experience working with mammalian cell culture, qPCR, and bioinformatics is preferred;
• experience working with stem cells and organoids is desirable;
• excellent oral and written communication skills in English (minimum C1/C2 CEFR level);
• an interest in self-development and working in a multidisciplinary research environment.

MSCA eligibility requirements

• Mobility rule: 
  Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment (1 March 2027).
• Doctoral degree requirement:
  Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.