Postdoc genetics and biochemistry leading to cellular stress in long COVID
As a postdoc researcher you will study long-COVID. Our earlier studies showed the expression and activity of the enzyme IDO2 in blood and brain tissue from patients with long-COVID. Check out our earlier study about post-acute sequela of SARS CoV2 infection here: PMID 37506544. The resulting kynurenine products in long-COVID relate to cellular metabolic stress reflected by autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunctioning, and provide an explanation for the prolonged expression of IDO2 in long-COVID patients. Others have shown that the kynurenine metabolites correlate with cognitive symptoms, postexertional malaise and inflammation.
A better understanding of the regulation of IDO2 expression and activity can lead to the identification of diagnostic markers for long-COVID. This can explain why a SARS CoV2 infection leads to post-COVID in some individuals only.
Continuing on what we know now, we will analyse IDO2 activity and specific genetic factors for IDO2 expression in long-COVID further. We have indications that this research is also relevant to children with post-COVID and patients with ME/CVS.
In this project we will use biobanked material from long COVID patients, in particular plasma, blood cells (PBMC) and brain tissue.
- With PBMC we aim to delineate the catalytic pathway of IDO2 further in more detail using stable isotope substrates and UPLC tandem mass spectrometry. After validation of the analytical procedures, we will screen a large set of plasma samples aimed at identifying a diagnostic marker for long COVID and possibly other post-acute infectious syndromes.
- In parallel, we aim to clarify why some cells do not express IDO2 and neighbouring cells do express IDO2, by comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics. This will be done in both brain tissue, by dissecting specific areas using a laser, as well as blood cells.
- Moreover, using similar approaches in combination with analysing genetic polymorphisms, we try to establish why some individuals express IDO2, and develop long COVID, whereas others do not express IDO2 and not develop long COVID. As a follow-up we expect to use precision cut brain slices to evaluate findings.
You are highly motivated post-doc and:
- have completed a PhD in the field of biochemistry or genetics;
- have relevant laboratory expertise (genetic polymorphisms, metabolomics, transcriptomics, pathology, and possibly experience with laser dissection);
- are an independent worker;
- interact well with various basic scientists, clinicians, and patient representatives;
- are good at communicating findings and implications to both professionals and a wider audience.
- A flying start to your career in scientific research.
- Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
- Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
- A contract for two years as the project is for two years. There will be a probation period of two months.
- Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 gross per month based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
- Holiday hours: 186,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
- For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.
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Watch the video to find out more.
You will be appointed by the Amsterdam UMC Research BV and work within the Pulmonology Research group at the Department of Experimental Immunology (EXIM). Within this department of around 120 researchers, various research groups linked to different organ-related diseases combine their expertise, share technology and are committed to translational studies, i.e. trying to stay as close as possible to patients. At the same time, the candidate will collaborate with scientists in various other departments such as Internal Medicine, Pathology, Biobank, Bioinformatics/Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine, and others, and will also maintain close contacts with centers in the USA and Europe.
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
The first round of interviews is scheduled for November 22th. Please keep this date in mind. The second round of interviews is scheduled for November 29th.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Rene Lutter, Principal investigator, via r.lutter@amsterdamumc.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.