PhD candidate, Computational modelling of cytokine networks in T cells at Leiden University

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:

PhD candidate, Computational modelling of cytokine networks in T cells

Are you an expert in the development of computational models that describe the dynamics of biological systems, aiming to apply such models to real-world biological data? As part of our enthusiastic team you will employ computational dynamical modelling approaches in order to understand cytokine-mediated regulation in T cells and their effect on tumour targets. Within our team at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) we are looking to hire a PhD student to develop such models and apply them to experimental data on T cells, target cells and their interactions, acquired by experimental collaborators.

Project description

T cells play an important role in guarding us against invading pathogens and cancer progression. Cytokines are key factors in the communication between T cells and other cells, and their production is tightly regulated through intricate regulatory mechanisms. However, these regulatory networks are highly complex and intertwined, making it difficult to intuitively understand how they function and contribute quantitatively to immune responses. 

In this ZonMW-funded PhD project, computational models will be developed to provide a quantitative understanding of cytokine regulatory networks in T cells at molecular level, and how they affect T cells themselves as well as tumour targets at population level. To this purpose, computational models ranging from ordinary differential equation models to spatially explicity agent-based models will be developed. These models aim to describe experimental measurements by Monika Wolkers’ lab (Amsterdam UMC/Sanquin) on cytokine responses at mRNA and protein level in single cells, and on cell population level responses like cell proliferation and cell death. Note that the work of the PhD student is purely computational, but close collaboration with experimentalists generating the data is required.

What you will do

  • Process and analyse experimental data (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging) acquired by collaborators.
  • Develop computational models of T cell and target cell responses.
  • Apply the developed computational models to the experimental data by parameter calibration.
  • Come up with model improvements and approaches to test resulting hypotheses.
  • Communicate with collaborators on obtained results and potential issues with data.
  • Train BSc and MSc students in computational research skills during courses and research projects.
  • Follow developments in the field by reading literature and participating in relevant conferences.
  • Publish in internationally renowned scientific journals.

What you bring

  • Either an MSc degree in a mathematical or computational discipline (preferably in computational biology/immunology), with a strong interest in or experience with biological/immunological questions; or an MSc degree in a biomedical discipline, with computational modeling experience (preferably in dynamical modeling approaches).
  • Experience with development of computational dynamical models such as differential equation models or spatially explicit agent-based models.
  • Experience with analysis of data sets (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging).
  • Proficient in spoken and written English.
  • A creative thinker and team player that can work independently.

Click here for the full job description and application procedure.
Submission is possible until 14 June 2026

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