Puck van Kasteren

This PhD project at RIVM focuses on developing and qualifying new human cell-based methodologies for studying respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and immunity. The work is embedded in a new European consortium and aims to advance a cutting-edge virus neutralization model that can contribute to replacing traditional animal testing in vaccine and infection research. The project builds on a differentiated primary human epithelial transwell model with an air–liquid interface, including multiciliated and mucus-producing goblet cells. As a PhD researcher, you will help standardize this model and apply it as a use case for its broader qualification as a new approach methodology. You will work on improving its utility for evaluating RSV immunity, including understanding population variability and viral escape mutants. The research combines hands-on experimental virology with immunology and modern molecular analysis. You will carry out extensive cell culture and viral infection work at biosafety level 2, and use techniques such as confocal microscopy, virus titration, RT-qPCR, single-cell RNA sequencing, and multiplex immunoassays. You will also contribute to systematic literature review activities related to in vitro models of respiratory viral infection and immunity. You will be based in the Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines at RIVM, within the Department of Immune Mechanisms - Immunological Models. The team brings together virologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, and regulators in an international and collaborative research environment. The project also involves collaboration with partner institutes in the UK and Germany, giving you exposure to regulatory and translational research across Europe. The role offers a clear route to complete a PhD thesis, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at national and international conferences while contributing to non-animal approaches in public health and vaccine research.