PhD in T cell immunometabolism and immunotherapy

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Foskolou Lab at Sanquin Research in Amsterdam to investigate how metabolic pathways shape T cell function and how this knowledge can be harnessed to improve immunotherapy outcomes.

T cells are central players in immune defence and cancer immunotherapy. Their ability to proliferate, persist, and eliminate tumour cells depends strongly on their metabolic state and the conditions they encounter in the tumour microenvironment. However, how T cells regulate their metabolic programs remains poorly understood. In this project, we will investigate how epitranscriptomic regulation (RNA methylation) can affect T cell metabolism and use this knowledge to enhance T cell immunotherapies.

The project will build on recently published insights. You will investigate how mRNA methylation can affect metabolic cues that shape T cell fate and function, and how these processes can be exploited to improve T cell-based immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. 

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

The project will combine:

• cellular and molecular immunology;
• metabolic profiling and functional assays;
• tumour models and immunotherapy approaches.

• You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Immunology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Oncology, Biomedical Sciences);
• You have a strong interest in tumour immunology and immunometabolism;
• You have hands-on laboratory experience, demonstrate independent thinking, and have a team-oriented attitude;
• You are well organized, with strong attention to accurate record-keeping and efficiency;
• You are fluent in English, written and spoken, and you are skilled at presenting;
• You are willing to work with experimental animals (experience is a plus, but not required).