Postdoc immunology

Within the department of Molecular cell biology & Immunology of Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), two positions are vacant for postdoctoral researchers to perform innovative research on two recently awarded grants.

• On the NWA-ORC META-IMMUNOTYPES project “Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases” we will be investigating metabolic syndrome. This is a major health problem affecting up to 40% of the population. This condition not only poses significant health risks on its own, but also increases the likelihood of developing other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer. The META-IMMUNOTYPES consortium focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and metabolism in metabolic syndrome and its related conditions. By identifying early warning signals, such as hidden inflammation, through simple blood tests and advanced technology, the project aims to shift the focus from treatment to prevention, enabling lifestyle interventions before symptoms arise.
• On the T2B-iCARE project we will be investigating the role of aberrant B-cell differentiation and escape from immunological checkpoints governing tolerance and B-cell selection/activation that may lead to autoreactive B-cells and (auto)antibodies. In our T2B! Consortium (2018-2023) we have provided a unique composition of the B-cell compartment by deep-phenotyping defining ‘immunotypes’ from diverse B-cell immune-mediated disorders (B-IMDs), including their dynamics to first-line treatment. In this new project, we aim to develop a disease-overarching strategy to select difficult-to-treat patients with B-IMDs, i.e. not responding to first/second-line treatment, amendable for early escalation with third-line treatment (‘hit early, hit hard’ principle).

In this project, you will work in a multidisciplinary team integrating state-of-the-art immuno-metabolic research, proteomics, clinical research, and data-analysis.

For both projects we are seeking highly motivated and talented postdocs that will work with a large team of clinicians and translational researchers in setting up a workflow for the biobanking of materials collected from a cohort of individuals undergoing a lifestyle intervention. Besides this general task, there will be two subprojects that will be your main responsibility. When writing your motivation letter indicate for which subproject do you have preference and why:

• Subproject 1 (META-IMMUNOTYPES): You will collaborate with a team of experts in setting up comprehensive multi-layered immune monitoring strategies spanning over 70-marker panels and time-lapse flow cytometry. You will work together with a PhD student on creating novel data models and identifying interesting biomarker leads for the development of next-generation miniaturized assays for screening purposes.
• Subproject 2 (T2B-iCARE): You will focus on the development of tools for the identification of generic and unique immunotypic cues that can be applied in either in B-cell immune-mediated disorders for more effective B-cell-tailored therapies.

• a PhD in biomedical sciences or related;
• a strong background in immunological research with a translational aim;
• experience with spectral flow cytometry, high-dimensional data analysis, and a strong background in bioinformatics;
• ability to work independently and thrive in a multidisciplinary academic environment;
• ability to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.