PhD Position in Bioinformatic Analysis of the Asthmatic Lung at Erasmus MC

The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Rotterdam, is seeking a motivated PhD candidate for a fully funded position focused on the bioinformatic analysis of the asthmatic lung. This research opportunity is supported by Longfonds and aims to build a spatial atlas of the asthmatic lung, contributing to the development of new therapies for severe asthma. The project will utilize innovative imaging technologies, including single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics, to map lung tissue from healthy individuals and asthma patients at the cellular and molecular levels. As a PhD student, you will join the Molecular Immunology research group led by Associate Professor Dr. Ralph Stadhouders and work closely with Prof. Dr. Rudi Hendriks, head of the Pulmonary Medicine Research Laboratory. The group consists of over 10 researchers, including postdocs, PhD candidates, bioinformaticians, technicians, and MSc students, all dedicated to advancing knowledge in chronic lung diseases and lung cancer. The research involves advanced bioinformatic analyses on unique lung tissue samples collected from the Netherlands, England, and Brazil, with a particular focus on immune cell dysregulation in severe asthma and responses to medication. Collaboration with the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Groningen will facilitate laboratory experiments to uncover new treatment strategies. The position offers a dynamic, international team environment, extensive training opportunities, and participation in national and international conferences. Applicants should have or be about to obtain an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Nanobiology, or a related field, with strong computational and analytical skills. Experience in bioinformatics and immunology is advantageous, and excellent English communication skills are required. The position is fully funded for four years, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a 13th month, travel expense package, pension insurance, and access to facilities such as a gym and physiotherapist. The application deadline is February 19, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit the Erasmus MC vacancy website or contact Dr. Ralph Stadhouders or Prof. Rudi Hendriks via email.