Assistant professor "Inflammation pathways in atherosclerosis"

Vacancy number 14772

Job type Academic staff

Hours (in fte) 1,0

External/ internal External

Location Leiden

Placed on 16 April 2024

Closing date 31 May 2024 45 more days to apply

Assistant professor “Inflammation pathways in atherosclerosis”

Come join the cardiovascular research group at the LACDR! The Division of BioTherapeutics at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is looking for a highly motivated assistant professor (on a 50/50 teaching/research basis) to strengthen our atherosclerosis education and research program.

Description
At the division of BioTherapeutics, the cardiovascular research team investigates mechanisms driving atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of many cardiovascular disease. We focus on the chronic inflammatory component of the disease, involving both innate immunity (e.g. macrophages, mast cells) as well as adaptive immunity (T- and B cells). Using state-of-the-art technology such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in both human and experimental models of disease, we aim to discover novel pathways and cellular or molecular targets for future therapeutic interventions. Explored therapeutic strategies to combat atherosclerosis include the use of monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, cellular therapy, and vaccination. This team, consisting of three PI groups, operates at the forefront of experimental cardiovascular research.
In the BSc and MSc programmes of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, the cardiovascular team provides education in the field of atherosclerosis and immunology, as well as practical and theoretical research projects for both BSc and MSc students.

As our team is expanding, we are looking for an assistant professor who will contribute to our teaching and research programs.

Key responsibilities
The candidate will:

• provide education in the BSc and MSc program Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, with the emphasis on education in the area of immunology and cardiovascular diseases.
• work in close collaboration with PhD students, postdocs, researchers and Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences students.
• co-supervise and train PhD students in the cardiovascular research group of the BioTherapeutics division.

Selection criteria

• We are looking for a highly enthusiastic, bright, well-motivated, and experienced colleague with a background in atherosclerosis research.
• Qualified candidates should:
• have a PhD degree, preferably in the field of atherosclerosis and with a background in immunology.
• have experience with training students at an undergraduate and (preferably) graduate level.
• have a clear vision on teaching, as well as innovation of teaching, in an academic environment.
• have academic experience at the postdoctoral level, preferably in the atherosclerosis field.
• be highly engaged, curious and a team player.
• be in possession of or willing to obtain your University Teaching Qualification (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs/BKO).

Additionally, the following the attributes would be highly appreciated:

• Good academic track-record of publishing (not acquisition)
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English language
• Experience with in vivo studies (artikel 9, proefdierkunde)

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially 18 months. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, this position can be converted to a permanent appointment after this period. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €4332 - €5929 gross per month depending on experience (pay scale 11).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture.

LACDR, Division of BioTherapeutics
The division of BioTherapeutics is part of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR). Our institute is a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research on drug discovery and development. Leiden University consistently ranks within the top-20 world-wide within the subject-based QS Ranking in Pharmacology and Pharmacy. At LACDR, we develop innovative scientific concepts in fundamental and translational research underlying the discovery and optimization of drugs, and personalised medicines. We aim to optimise the route to novel drugs that are both efficacious and safe, and therefore our research focuses on drug discovery and safety, biotherapeutics, and systems biomedicine and pharmacology. State-of-the-art expertise and infrastructures ensure that we are strategically positioned in (inter)national collaborations, thus further strengthening the development of novel concepts and their application in a clinical and industry environment. More information about LACDR you find on the website, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research.

The division of BioTherapeutics operates at the forefront of research in the field of therapeutic modulation of cardiovascular disease. The research of the PI groups, led by Bram Slütter, Amanda Foks and Ilze Bot, aims to identify new immune targets in atherosclerosis and to develop innovative biopharmaceutical concepts to intervene in cardiovascular disease. The use of specific gene-knockout technology, biologics such as vaccines, therapeutic proteins and cellular therapy, provides a unique approach for the development of new therapies for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research/biotherapeutics.

Faculty
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
In the Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc and MSc programmes, students are trained at the leading edge of drug-design and fundamental research of new drugs, optimization of existing drugs, and personalised medicine.

For more information, see Bio-Farmaceutische Wetenschappen (BSc) - Universiteit Leiden and Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc) - Leiden University (universiteitleiden.nl)

Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

For more information concerning the scientific content, please contact Prof. dr. Ilze Bot (e-mail: i.bot@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Mrs. Cathy van der Ploeg (e-mail: c.c.m.van.der.ploeg@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl, telephone: +31 71 527 5134).

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science.
For more information about working at Leiden university please visit

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter;
• An updated CV;
• Copy of PhD thesis or any other publication (if available);
• Written letters of recommendation by at least two former supervisors.

Only applications received before May 31, 2024 can be considered

Acquisition following this advertisement is not appreciated.