The project

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which is transmitted by Ixodes ticks. The number of annually reported cases for tick-borne diseases, especially LB, has been continuously increasing over the last two decades. Hundreds of thousands new cases of Lyme borreliosis are diagnosed in the Northern hemisphere each year.

Clinical manifestations include early and chronic skin lesions as well as disseminated manifestations such as Lyme arthritis, neuroborreliosis, or carditis. Especially chronic or late manifestations have an encumbering effect on quality of life of patients and are sometimes challenging to diagnose and treat. Understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of LB will guide the development of better diagnostic strategies and diagnostic modalities. In addition, currently there is no human vaccine available to prevent LB.

In our group we investigate (human) immune responses to tick antigens and how that can be used to develop a vaccine against the tick. In theory such a vaccine could not only prevent LB, but also other tick-borne diseases.

About your role

As a PhD student you will investigate the contribution of both Borrelia antigens and tick salivary gland proteins with respect to in vitro and ex vivo host immune responses and in vivo tick feeding and Borrelia pathogenesis. To achieve this, we plan to conduct knock-out/mutant Borrelia strains by homologous recombination method where each antigen of interest will be replaced and setup an human ex vivo skin model. This will greatly enhance the understanding of LB pathogenesis and human anti-tick immune responses.

Thus, this project ultimately aims to improve current diagnostics to distinguish an active and past infection in LB patients, identify stepping stones for improved therapeutic modalities, as well develop a human anti-tick vaccine to prevent LB.    

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student with the following characteristics:

• Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Life Science Technology, or other closely related discipline.
• Solid background and interest in Molecular Biology and Immunology.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Creativity, curiosity as well as a collaborative and interdisciplinary mindset are important ingredients to thrive in our research group.
• Article 9 certificate or experience with in vivo models is highly appreciated.
• Experience with basic and translational research is a pre.

Fixed-term contract: One year (12 months) with the intention to extend for another 36 months.

• A flying start to your career in research work.
• A contract for one year (12 months) with the intention to extend for another 36 months.
• Besides a good basic salary, you will also receive an 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% holiday allowance.
• Free and unlimited access to our online learning environment GoodHabitz.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, understandable, and well-priced pension.
• Excellent accessibility by public transport and reimbursement of a large part of your transport costs. We also have a good bicycle scheme if you cycle, and sufficient parking spaces in case you drive.
• An active personnel association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and events.

Bekijk alle arbeidsvoorwaarden bij AMR

Amsterdam UMC

The Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, houses the university hospital and the medical faculty of the University of Amsterdam, as well as several research institutes. Infectious Diseases represents one of the major research topics at the AMC, integrated in a multidisciplinary fashion at the Amsterdam institute of Infection & Immunity Institute (AII).

This research will take place at the Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine (CEMM).

Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy. Check out our approach to diversity and inclusion.

What to expect

• A job in our beautiful capital city
• Working for the favorite employer in healthcare (intermediary 2021)
• All colleagues have the same goal: contributing to tomorrow’s care
• There is room for development, deepening and broadening of your knowledge
• An active staff association that organizes fun activities and arranges discounts on products and services for you
• Amsterdam UMC innovates continuously, which requires a flexible attitude from everyone
• Two large locations, good for your pedometer!
• You have more than 15.000 colleagues, not all of whom you will get to know personally

Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine (CEMM)

The mission of CEMM is to perform high quality translational research, bridging fundamental research with preclinical and clinical investigations in the field of Oncology, Infectious Diseases, and Blood Coagulation & Inflammation (i.e. the research groups housed in CEMM). It is the ambition of CEMM to facilitate translational science in the broadest of terms, maintaining strong ties with clinical departments and providing an optimal infrastructure and multidisciplinary environment for the scientific flourish of our research groups. The number one goal is to produce high quality, translational and impactful research.

The Lyme team is a dynamic young and ambitious group within CEMM with multiple PhD students, post-docs, technicians, physicians and a variable number of graduate students. The candidate will be working closely together with two of the post-docs and technicians.