Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) known for the manifestation of demyelinated lesions and immune cell infiltration into the CNS, leading to neurodegeneration. Despite effective treatment of relapses, patients experience disease progression, which is unpredictable. Blood biomarkers could contribute to improved understanding, monitoring and prediction of both disease progression and treatment response in MS. Currently, there is lack of blood biomarkers sensitive to disease progression, not only in the progressive phases but also in those patients treated with high-efficacy disease modifying treatments.

This project addresses the main research line of the MS Center Amsterdam: 'Facing disease progression''. You will be based in the Neurochemistry Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, and tightly collaborate with MS neurologists and other disciplines of the MS center Amsterdam.

About your role
The aim of your project is to develop such biomarkers based on proteomics analyses, using state of the art immunoassay technologies (Simoa, Ella). Your challenge will be 1) to develop dedicated biomarker panels on sensitive laboratory technologies to monitor disease progression in individual MS patients; 2) You will test the clinical relevance of these biomarkers by investigating how they change over time and after start of treatment using and integrating available data, such as other biochemical, clinical, and brain imaging data.

• PhD in biomedical science, neuroscience, or related fields;
• Affinity and experience with research in Multiple Sclerosis;
• Affinity and experience with immunoassay development;
• Interest in supervising junior researchers;
• Organisational, communicative and cooperative skills, as you will collaborate with scientists from multiple scientific disciplines.

• A contract for the duration of the project.
• Salary scale 10 or 11: €3.230 to €5.919 gross for full-time employment (depending on education and experience).
• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• The opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).
  Scientific advice from internationally recognised experts.
  Access to a broad network of innovative enterprises and organisations.

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

Amsterdam UMC

You will be working at both the Neurochemistry Laboratory of the AUMC, location VUmc. The mission of the Neurochemistry laboratory is to improve patient care for neurological disorders by developing biomarkers in body fluids. VUmc.com - Neurochemistry Laboratory

We offer an inspiring working environment with lots of social activities. The project is funded by the Stichting MS Research and you will collaborate with researchers and clinicians within the MS center Amsterdam.