One key element in the induction of immune responses against tumors or pathogens is the ability of Dendritic Cells (DC) to cross-present antigens. Currently approved adjuvants induce robust antibody responses, but are weak in priming CD8+ killer cells (cell-mediated immunity), essential for cancer and pathogen clearance.

We recently uncovered part of the working mechanism of a new class of adjuvants that enforces T cell-mediated immunity and antibody responses via an unprecedented level of antigen cross-presentation by DC (den Brok et al Nature Communications 7, 2016). In a multi-disciplinary team also consisting of our industrial partner, the aim is to define the molecular signature associated with our cross-presentation inducing adjuvant in mouse and human DC. The overarching goal is to develop the next generation of this unique vaccine adjuvant for clinical applications.

In this project, a combination of immunological (Flow, functional assays), molecular (RNA seq, qPCR) and cell biological techniques (Microscopy) and read-outs are applied in pre-clinical mouse samples as well as human samples. In addition, animal experiments will be performed for vaccine efficacy studies.                

• PhD degree in biomedical sciences at the interface of cell biology and immunology or equivalent and intrinsically motivated for scientific research and discovery; 
• Experience/affinity with bioformatics tools is an advantage;
• You recognise yourself in the Radboud way of working.

Candidates with a background in cancer-immunology/biology holding an article 9 certificate for working with experimental animals and are especially invited to apply!                

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Scale 10: max. € 58838 gross income per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments)

Radboudumc (university medical center)

Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.

https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/research

Department of Radiology and department of Radiation Oncology

RIMLS
The Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) in the Netherlands is a leading European research school providing an outstanding research and educational setting at the Radboudumc. The RIMLS focuses on basic science and its translation into pioneering treatments for disease. RIMLS innovations are advanced through technology platforms such as genomics, proteomics, flowcytometry and molecular imaging.

Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology lab (Department of Radiation Oncology, ROI lab)
In the newly established ROI lab,  25 researchers aim at better understanding tumor interactions with the immune system applying molecular-, cell biological- and immunological- techniques in relation to cancer therapies, especially radiotherapy. Research is centred around the development of in situ cancer vaccines combining local tumor ablation and dendritic cell (DC) activation through immune adjuvants. The interplay between immune- and tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is studied to design novel immune-combination therapies. These novel therapies aim to create an immune permissive TME and boost the immune system. An important activity of the department is the translation of basic research into clinical application.