The postdoc will work in the Cancer Immunology and Therapy research group of Professor Sjoerd van der Burg within the Department of Medical Oncology. The aim of our program is to implement immunotherapy as treatment modality for patients with solid tumors and is focused on the exploration of key factors in host-tumor interactions that determine successes and failure in immune control of cancer. You will be working on a research project and your tasks will include the planning and design of experiments, supervision of co-workers, writing research manuscripts and to present the data on national and international conferences.

The project

We have found a novel subset of tumor-infiltrating T-cells expressing the natural killer receptor CD161. While the presence of these T cells in tumors  is associated with better clinical outcome, neither their distinct functional properties nor the regulatory role of CD161 has been characterized. In this recently by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) funded project you will perform fundamental mechanistic studies to determine the  role of this cell population in cancer patients and the function of the receptor as well as translational studies to gain insight how this subset of T cells behave under immunotherapy. The research will be performed using state-of-the-art techniques and involves working with unique patient materials. The project is supervised by Dr. Saskia Santegoets and Dr. Marij Welters. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague with a PhD in immunology, who is highly motivated and has a proven interest in immunology and oncology. Preferably, you have a number of years of postdoc experience leading research projects, however, starting postdocs are also encouraged to apply to this vacancy.  You should be able to take initiative and to perform well in a team.  The ability to publish and present the results of your research is essential.

Fixed-term contract: Temporary, 2 years with the possibility of a 2 year extension.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for 2 years with the possibility of a 2 year extension. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, with a maximum of € 4,194.- gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10 of the Collective Labor Agreement for University Hospitals).

The LUMC offers very favourable working conditions. You are entitled to 8% holiday pay, a Christmas bonus, a pension plan with the ABP and a pay supplement for irregular hours (if applicable). In addition, you can collect a favourable collective healthcare insurance from the University Medical Centre (UMC).

The LUMC also offers great facilities when it comes to training, children's daycare and career advice, and you can benefit from various leave arrangements and other bonuses. You can find out more on our website.

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), we are continually seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The LUMC aims for excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training and continuing education.

Department of Medical Oncology

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. To provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers. 

The Cancer Immunology and Therapy research group is a young and successful team within the Department of Medical Oncology. We perform several types of fundamental, translational and clinical studies.  A major focus of our group concerns the reinforcement of tumor-specific T cells using vaccines, immune modulatory antibodies and adoptive T cell transfer and is geared towards the exploration of tumor-specific antigens (neoepitopes, TEIPP and viral oncoproteins) and studies of T cell function in an immune suppressive microenvironment. Our institute offers a large number of core facilities and a broad immunological research environment with national and international collaborations.