Immune therapy is a treatment used to strengthen and manipulate the immune system of patients to fight cancer. Recently, clinical studies have shown that genetically modified immune cells can be active in patients with cancer. These treatments aim to target proteins on the cancer cells by the immune cells, after which the cancer cells are eliminated. For this treatment, the immune cells are equipped with a variety of identification structures with the aid of gene therapy. These structures are: chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or T cell receptors (TCR). Recently, our research group carried out a TCR gene therapy study in patients with leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This study showed that it was possible to produce the genetically modified T cells under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions and that they could be safely administered to patients. Together with the Company Medigene AG, in  our new HA-1H TCR gene therapy study, we want to treat patients with recurring or persistent leukemia with an optimized HA-1H TCR product and treatment strategy. For this study, you will  interact with other academic institutions in the Netherlands to recruit patients and logistically arrange the inclusion of these patients. You will participate in the GMP production of the TCR modified cell product and the monitoring and evaluation of patients after infusion of the genetically modified T cells. You will work on further refining and optimizing these cellular therapies.

We are looking for a driven candidate with a master’s degree in medicine. You have an interest in immunology and hematology. Laboratory experience in the area of immunology is advantageous. We are looking for a candidate with a proactive work approach who is able to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, research technicians, care workers as well as people from the corporate environment.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

As a PhD candidate with a background in medicine, you will be appointed for a maximum of 4 years, which should lead to a doctoral thesis. The salary is based on your experience and education and amounts to a maximum of € 4.,615 gross per month, based on a fulltime position (scale 10, cla UMC).

Department of Hematology

The research at the Department of Hematology has been aimed at improving cellular interventions after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for years, with the purpose of limiting the complications of this treatment while remaining equally effective. The Laboratory of Experimental Hematology consists of 16 PhD candidates and postdocs, and 16 research technicians and you will collaborate closely with several groups. The LUMC has an interdivisional GMP facility that is fully equipped for developing and producing ATMPs (advanced therapy medicinal products), like HA-1H TCR transduced cells.