Physician-researcher Acute Care and Infectious Diseases, as a start to a PhD trajectory

About your role

As a physician-researcher in the Department of Acute Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, you will initiate two research projects. The first is a multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating whether patients who present to the emergency department with moderately severe pneumonia can be treated just as effectively with oral antibiotics as with intravenous therapy. If there is no difference in the primary outcome – 30-day mortality – the study will continue to assess outcomes relevant to patients and society, such as length of hospital stay and functional outcome. You will design the study and implement it across participating hospitals in the Netherlands.

The second project involves setting up a controlled human infection model (CHIM), in which healthy volunteers are intentionally infected with a respiratory virus such as influenza, RSV, or coronavirus. This controlled setting provides a unique opportunity to study disease progression, prevention (e.g. vaccination), and treatment in a small, well-monitored group. Building on prior experience with CHIM studies involving malaria and rhinovirus, you will now help develop this model for respiratory viruses such as H1N1 influenza – a virus that still affects many people annually and carries the potential to cause future pandemics.

Your key responsibilities are:

• Designing a research protocol for a national RCT comparing oral and intravenous treatment for moderately severe pneumonia. You coordinate the rollout of this protocol in the participating Dutch hospitals.
• Developing a controlled human infection model for respiratory viruses, using insights from previous CHIM studies.
• Collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and ethics committees to ensure careful and adequate study design.
• Preparing for a PhD trajectory in which you may continue and expand one of the two research lines.

During the first six months, you will work on both research lines. After that, a decision will be made—together with the team—on which project you will pursue further. The aim is to continue your work as part of a PhD trajectory focused on deepening and expanding your chosen research line, ultimately leading to a doctoral degree. This decision will depend on your personal interests and ambitions, as well as the feasibility of each project.

About your workplace

The projects are a collaboration between the departments of Acute Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at LUMC, the HAGA Hospital, Campus The Hague, and the Center for Human Drug Research (CHDR). You will work closely with colleagues from all involved departments and institutions. Your primary workplace will be at LUMC. In addition, you will receive an appointment at CHDR, where the CHIM study will be conducted.

About you

You are a curious and motivated junior doctor eager to grow within the fields of acute care and/or infectious diseases. You are open to new insights, adapt easily to the dynamic nature of clinical research, and thrive in a collaborative academic environment. You have an ambition to pursue a PhD and to delve deeper into one of the two research areas.

In addition, you have:

• A completed medical degree and registration as a physician.
• Affinity with acute medicine and/or infectious diseases.
• The intention to start a PhD trajectory.

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have a workforce that is a good reflection of society. We are committed to the highest quality in health care, education and (international) research, in which diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people, but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to be a creative and inspiring place to work, where everyone feels at home, safe and valued. It's all about who you are and what you bring to contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work toward a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.  

More information

• As a physician-researcher, your salary will be between €3,493 and €5,504 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.
• An increase in the collective wage agreement will take place as of 1 July 2025.
• The procedure involves several stages, including at least 1 interview with members of the study team (in May 2025). Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.