Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular diseases, is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease of the large arteries. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that chronic low-grade inflammation has a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Immune checkpoint proteins regulate inflammation by facilitating the interaction between the various immune and non-immune cells, and may either promote or hamper immune cell activation. However, how immune checkpoints are regulated during atherosclerosis is largely unknown.

A recently obtained grant will focus on the cell type specific regulation of immune checkpoint proteins by the E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL-B, and the signaling intermediates involved, in order to design and test novel therapeutics.

For this project, we are looking for a PhD-student. The multidisciplinary approach will be using state-of-the-art molecular biology tools, immunology tools, bioinformatics, cellular models and in vivo models. This should lead to novel insights in the role of CBL-B as regulator of the immune checkpoint protein landscape in atherosclerosis.

The PhD-student will work in the Experimental Vascular Biology group of Prof. Dr. Lutgens at the department of Medical Biochemistry in the AMC. He/she will work in a team of experienced staff, PhD students, postdocs and technicians with excellent infrastructure.

References from the group:

- Targeting CD40-Induced TRAF6 Signaling in Macrophages Reduces Atherosclerosis. Seijkens TTP, van Tiel CM, Kusters PJH, Gerdes N, de Winther MPJ, Nicolaes GA, Mulder WJM, Weber C, Lutgens E. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Feb 6;71(5):527-542.

- CD27 co-stimulation increases the abundance of regulatory T cells and reduces atherosclerosis in hyperlipidaemic mice. Winkels H, Meiler S, Lievens D, Engel D, Spitz C, Bürger C, Beckers L, Dandl A, Reim S, Weber C, Lutgens E, Gerdes N. Eur Heart J. 2017 Dec 21;38(48):3590-3599.

A recent MSc in a related area (Medicine, (Medical) Biology), preferably with a background in immunology, cell biology, pathology, drive for a career in science, team player and positive social skills.

We offer a fulltime position for a period of 3-4 years, starting with a year contract. The salary is in accordance with CAO-UMC and will start from scale 21 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience (minimum € 2,279 and maximum € 2,919 gross per month). In addition payment includes a holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end bonus of 8.3% of the gross annual salary, compensation of travel expenses as well as free parking. You will be employed by AMC Medical Research BV.

AMC Medical Research

The AMC is more than just a hospital. It is a world in which patient care, research and education are integrated, and in which people are always central. It is an academic world full of possibilities for talented individuals that are looking for a place where they can excel. Thinking big, daring to dream, cooperating internationally. And never letting yourself be put off by ‘It’s not possible’ or ’It won’t work anyway’. That is the AMC mentality.

http://www.amc.nl/

The PhD-student will work in the Experimental Vascular Biology group of Prof. Dr. Lutgens at the department of Medical Biochemistry in the AMC. He/she will work in a team of experienced staff, PhD students, postdocs and technicians with excellent infrastructure.