PhD Immunostart-kids: protecting vulnerable children vaccination

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!

Our goal: to optimise the protection of vulnerable children, e.g. those who are immunocompromised, against infectious diseases through vaccination.

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.

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.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex topics and write scientific content to a high standard.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, while managing different tasks and meeting deadlines.
• A willingness and ability to learn quickly.
• 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.

• 12-month contract (0,8 - 1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3-year extension.
• Gross monthly salary between €3.059 and €3.881 (based on a 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.

Closed to internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized. Maastricht University prefers direct contact with potential candidates; we therefore 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.

Closing date: 30-06-2026