PhD student Nanobodies

Pathogens are recognized by a plethora of receptors on antigen presenting cells including C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) and sialic acid binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec) receptors. These receptors are important for pathogen infection and transmission, but also for the induction of immune responses. We will study the interaction between these two receptor types, how this determines immunity, and develop novel tools to block pathogen binding to CLRs and Siglec receptors. For this you will isolate, produce and characterize nanobodies that can bind CLRs and Siglec receptors and analyze their capacity to block pathogen infection and to target antigens to antigen presenting cells.

As a PhD student your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Clone nanobodies that bind to different lectin and siglec receptors;
• Develop and produce multivalent nanobody molecules;
• Analyze the binding, uptake, routing, and induced signalling of nanobodies that bind to different receptors;
• Study the capacity of nanobodies to block infection by pathogens and develop and test nanobody based vaccines using human in vitro culture systems;
• Work closely with our collaborators on this project at Amsterdam UMC;
• Author manuscripts submitted to high quality journals and present at conferences.

We are looking for a PhD student who has the following expertise and experience:

• You have a master degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, chemistry, pharmaceutics, or biomedical sciences;
• You have experience with molecular biological techniques, protein expression systems, and/or cellular read outs;
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal;
• Good collaboration skills.

Hepatitis B vaccination is mandatory and will be provided by Amsterdam UMC.

• We offer an initial contract for 12 months that can be extended (after evaluation) for another 36 months. We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Salary scale: OIO € 2.901 - € 3.677 (based on a 36 hour week), depending on qualifications and experience.
• Additional benefits including an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay. Calculate your net salary here.
• Your pension is accrued at The Dutch Pension Fund for government and education employees (ABP). Amsterdam UMC contributes 70% of this scheme
• We reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

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

This project will be performed at the Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, location VUmc in the group of dr. Joke den Haan, in close collaboration with the group of Prof.dr. Theo Geijtenbeek at the Department of Experimental Immunology location AMC.

You will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. This collaborative project is funded by a ZonMW open grant awarded to Dr. Joke den Haan and Prof.dr. Theo Geijtenbeek and embedded in Amsterdam Institure for Immunology and Infectious diseases.