Our multidisciplinary research group is looking for a postdoc to strengthen our research line: “Clinical and molecular characterization of pre-clinical spondyloarthritis”. Our aim is to identify which molecular pathways as specifically upregulated in the preclinical phase of spondyloarthritis before the onset of clinical signs and diagnosis. We use immunological, molecular biological and cellular biological techniques to study biosamples collected in our animal model as well as from humans. Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease characterized by inflammation and new bone formation of the spine resulting in structural damage and a decrease in quality of life.

The disease usually starts before the age of 45 years and although new treatments are available remission can be induced in only about 20% of the patients and new bone formation cannot be halted. Increased insight into the molecular pathways resulting in inflammation and new bone formation from the earliest phases of disease onwards is essentially required to identify novel treatment targets that can stop or prevent the disease. We have: a world-wide unique cohort of individuals at risk of spondyloarthritis in whom imaging data and biosamples are prospectively collected. Well-characterized biosamples (blood, synovial tissue, skin) of spondyloarthritis patients, and, the improved HLA-B27 transgenic rat model resembling human spondyloarthritis will be used to reach our objectives. 

You have a master in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or medical biology, followed by a PhD in immunology, cell biology or other related field. You are interested in research on a relevant medical topic in a multidisciplinary setting. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a keen interest to do both in vitro and in vivo research. Candidates should have completed their PhD. Experience with (transgenic) rat or mouse models and an animal experiments license (art.9) are required. Candidates should also have well-developed organisational and social skills as daily supervision of PhD students is part of the job.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at AMR means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.

• The maximum gross monthly salary based on a 36-hour work week is € 4.481,- (scale 10 CAO UMC).
• The base salary does not include holiday pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%).
• We offer a contract for 12 months.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.

For an overview of all our other terms of employment, see https://werkenbijamc.nl/arbeidsvoorwaarden-amr/.

Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC

The Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Centre (ARC); department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at the AMC integrates patient care, and fundamental and translational research dedicated to rheumatic diseases. Our main research topic is to elucidate the interplay between stromal factors and different components of the immune system in the pathogenesis of arthritis, and the development of innovative therapies. We use patient blood cells, synovial biopsies, lymph node biopsies, and both in vitro (cell cultures) and relevant rodent models for arthritis to unravel the involvement of immunity in rheumatic diseases.

In your position as a postdoc you will work within the spondyloarthritis research team in close collaboration with clinical researchers, clinicians, and fundamental researchers within the ARC as well as within the Amsterdam Infection and Immunity research institute. The laboratory of our department is embedded within the department of Experimental Immunology headed by Prof.dr. T. Geijtenbeek allowing excellent interaction with other researchers working in the field of immunology.