Our research aims to understand mechanisms of chronic pain. We specifically focus on the communication between the immune and nervous system and mitochondria. We recently discovered that mitochondria are important in regulating pain. Mitochondria not only regulate sensory neuron function, macrophages also donate their mitochondria to sensory neurons to control pain. In addition, we have found that a mitochondrial methyltransferase pain protein promotes chronic pain development. In this 2-year project you will investigate downstream targets of this protein in sensory neurons and macrophages/microglia using in vitro and in vivo strategies. You will use different molecular approaches including high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics. In addition you will perform functional in vitro assays, such as assessment of macrophage function and mitochondrial activity in sensory neurons to assess identified targets. Finally you will aid with in vivo gene targeting strategies to assess the contribution of the target protein in regulation of chronic pain in different murine pain models.

We are looking for talented and highly motivated research technician with a HBO degree in laboratory sciences, with expertise in molecular biology. You have excellent experimental skills and experience in cloning, cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA’s and immunoprecipitation experiments. Affinity with neuro-immunology, molecular techniques, and mitochondrial assays is a plus. The willingness and certification to perform animal experiments is not a requirement, but would be appreciated. You should have good communication skills, flexible and good team player.

You should have good communication skills, organizational talent, flexible, versatile and a good team player.

Your application should include a motivation letter, a CV, and a brief description of past work experience.

The maximum salary for this position (28 - 36 hours) is € 4.052,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

You will work in the laboratory of Dr. Eijkelkamp (neuro-immunology of pain), which is hosted in the in the Center of Translational Immunology (CTI) at the UMC Utrecht. The group of Eijkelkamp is composed of an international team of researchers that are actively collaborating on projects to better understand chronic. You will work together with an appointed PostDoc and collaborate with multiple scientists in our team. The CTI is a well-facilitated department with experts in all fields of immunology, and is embedded in the focus area ‘Infection and Immunology’ of the UMC Utrecht. We are structured to facilitate bench-to-bed side research. The CTI, or withing the UMCU/UU, we have a state-of-the-art flow cytometry, imaging, mass spectrometry, and RNA sequencing facilities.