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University: Utrecht University
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Supervisor: Linette Willemsen
Application Deadline: March 29, 2026
Working Hours: 36–40 hours per week
PhD Project Overview
This PhD position in Nutritional Immunology is part of the European doctoral network LipidBRIGHT, which focuses on lipids in chronic inflammatory disorders. The project bridges pharmaceutical sciences and nutritional sciences, investigating how targeted nutrition can improve immune regulation and asthma therapy outcomes.
The research centers on type 2 allergic asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease affecting approximately 10% of adults in industrialized countries. Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are standard controller medication, asthma remains incurable and many patients experience suboptimal control.
This project evaluates the therapeutic potential of:
- n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) such as EPA and DHA
- Vitamin A and Vitamin D
These nutrients will be studied as adjunct therapy to corticosteroids, aiming to:
- Reduce type 2 airway inflammation
- Enhance bronchial epithelial barrier function
- Improve asthma control
Research Focus and Methodology
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Develop and optimize human bronchial epithelial barrier models
- Study interactions between epithelial cells and innate/adaptive immune cells
- Assess anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects of n-3 LCPUFA combined with vitamins A and D
- Apply advanced in vitro mucosal immune models
- Present findings at international conferences in nutrition, allergy, pulmonary disease, and pharmacology
The Division of Pharmacology at Utrecht University has long-standing expertise in nutritional immunology and allergy prevention research using n-3 LCPUFA in in vitro and preclinical models.
You will work within the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), a leading research center specializing in translational immunopharmacology and experimental pharmacology.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with training in Immunology
- Hands-on experience with immune assays and laboratory techniques such as:
- Cell culture
- FACS
- qPCR
- ELISA
- Strong scientific writing and data analysis skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent English communication skills
Mobility Requirement
As this position is part of an EU Doctoral Network, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding March 1, 2026.
Employment Conditions
- Initial 18-month contract, extendable to 4 years after positive evaluation
- Starting gross monthly salary: €3,059 (increasing annually up to €3,881 in year four)
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus
- Pension scheme and partially paid parental leave
- Flexible employment conditions under CAO NU
Utrecht University also offers professional development programs, leave arrangements, and access to sports and cultural facilities.
Research Environment
You will join a collaborative academic team within the Faculty of Science, which includes six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
The research group provides:
- State-of-the-art laboratories
- Core research facilities
- An interdisciplinary and supportive PhD community
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit:
- A motivation letter (written authentically without AI assistance)
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact details of at least two references
- Certified academic transcripts for BSc and MSc degrees
For scientific inquiries, contact Linette Willemsen at [email protected].
This PhD opportunity at Utrecht University offers a unique chance to conduct cutting-edge research in nutritional immunology, asthma therapy optimization, and translational immunopharmacology, while collaborating in a European doctoral network addressing chronic inflammatory diseases.
Apply now at: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs/phd-position-in-nutritional-immunology
