Within the department of Experimental Immunology and Hematology, we are currently looking for a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our highly committed team of scientists and hematologists.

About your role
We recently found that CLL cells impose alterations in metabolic processes in T cells which may underlie the acquired T cell dysfunction. We therefore hypothesize that improving metabolic fitness of CAR-T cells may offer a path to cure CLL.
To achieve this, we plan to conduct an array of complementary molecular, metabolic, and genetic assays using patient samples and a murine model of CLL. To address therapeutic potential we will study murine and human CAR-T cells in which metabolic processes will be manipulated. This study is supported by an ERC Consolidation grant.

The project
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Novel targeted drugs are effective, but not curative. Moreover, prolonged use is associated with development of resistance, toxicity, and high economic cost. T cell-based approaches, e.g. chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), are highly promising, however, in contrast to the success of CAR-T cells in aggressive leukemia, their effect in CLL is limited owing to a largely unexplained acquired T cell dysfunction in this disease setting.

About you
We are looking for a creative and dedicated PhD candidate with a (nearly completed) master’s degree in a field related to molecular sciences, biomedical sciences or biochemistry. The candidate needs to have strong intellectual and experimental skills, in addition to a solid background and interest in immunology and cellular biology. Knowledge and experience in in vivo animal models is preferred. Creativity, curiosity as well as a collaborative and interdisciplinary mindset are important ingredients to thrive in our research group.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months with the intention to be extended.

Our offer

• A jump start to your career in science
• Full commitment to help you train and develop your career in science in a safe and stimulating environment
• Benefit from lively scientific exchanges in science and beyond
• Access to administrative and scientific institutional support
• Embedded in the Amsterdam University Medical Centers graduate school
• A contract for a year (12 months) with the intention to be extended.
• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8.0% holiday pay..
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank. 

Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC is a leading medical center that combines complex high-quality patient care, innovative scientific research, and education of the next generation health care professionals. We believe that health care practice, research and education belong together, with each shaping and informing the other.
Amsterdam UMC has arisen from the (administrative) merger of Amsterdam’s two academic hospitals, the Academic Medical Center (AMC) and the VU University Medical Center (VUmc) in 2018. Amsterdam UMC represents the medical faculties of the two universities associated: the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.