PhD Candidate Immunostart-kids: protecting vulnerable children through vaccination

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Do you want to do exciting multidisciplinary research in the fast-developing field of vaccinology in one of the most beautiful cities of the Netherlands? Then you should consider joining the Immunostart-kids project as a PhD student!

PhD Candidate Immunostart-kids: protecting vulnerable children through vaccination

• Our goal: to optimise the protection of vulnerable children, e.g. those who are immunocompromised, against infectious diseases through vaccination.
• Your colleagues: You will be part of the department of Paediatrics at Maastricht University Medical Centre. The department is responsible for clinical care, research and teaching related to paediatrics. The project will involve collaboration in the nationwide Immunostart-kids network and is embedded within the Maastricht-Nijmegen Translational Research Alliance for Innovative Vaccine Research, ensuring valuable interdisciplinary expertise and collaboration.

Children with immune disorders, whether due to congenital conditions or the use of immunosuppressive medications, are at increased risk of infections. With declining vaccination rates and the ongoing development and use of new immunomodulating therapies, it is more important than ever to provide optimal protection for this vulnerable population. The aim of this PhD research project is to generate knowledge in immunocompromised children regarding: (1) the epidemiology of infectious diseases, (2) the safety and effectiveness of new vaccines, and (3) the optimal implementation of vaccination care.

The project consists of three interconnected subprojects that will investigate: (1) the incidence and dynamics of invasive pneumococcal diseases, (2) the immunogenicity of new pneumococcal vaccines, and (3) how vaccination care can be implemented effectively. To achieve this, a nationwide cohort will be established, immunogenicity of novel pneumococcal vaccines will be investigated, and implementation research will be carried out, including the potential development of a clinical decision support tool.

With this project, we aim to contribute to better protection, personalized care, and sustainable health benefits for vulnerable children.

What you do
You will co-design and lead the Immunostart-kids research project. This will entail a variety of scientific methodologies, including clinical immunogenicity studies, qualitative work and implementation studies. You will be leading, coordinating and executing the studies, data collection, analysis and manuscript writing.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
This role requires strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex topics and write scientific content to a high standard. You should be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, while managing different tasks and meeting deadlines. Given the variety of methods involved a willingness and ability to learn quickly is also essential.

Furthermore, you bring: 

• Master’s degree in Medicine, or expected to be obtained in the near future.
• A strong research interest, as evidenced by a master’s thesis topic or work experience.
• Experience or demonstrated affinity with immunology, infectious diseases, vaccine research, and/or public health.
• Excellent proficiency in English.

What we offer 
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• A 12-month contract (0,8 – 1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3-year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day).
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Else Bijker at else.bijker@mumc.nl or +31(0)433875245. The end date of the publication is 30 June 2026.

The first interviews will be held on 8 July 2026.

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.