Postdoc to investigate Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC) Stimulation

Join our team to unravel the complex effects of PRR stimulation on FDC functionality and its consequences for FDC interactions with immune cells in the GC.

Your job
As a postdoctoral fellow in our diverse immunology team, you will investigate how Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) stimulation impacts Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC) functionality in Germinal Centers. Conduct scRNAseq data analysis, develop protocols, and refine assays to study FDC activation. You collaborate with pharmaceutical experts and contribute to independent scientific publications.

As part of our team, you will take on a critical role in understanding the inner workings of Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs). You will start with analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data to uncover the key receptors and pathways that drive FDC function. This involves diving deep into complex datasets to reveal hidden mechanisms within these cells.

You will also be responsible for designing and optimising experimental protocols. These protocols are aimed at stimulating specific Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) on FDCs to augment their activation, viability, and overall functionality. To ensure that these protocols are both effective and efficient will be part of your work. Another key aspect of your role is refining assays to assess FDC functionality. This includes measuring changes in cytokine secretion and transcriptomics before and after stimulation, helping to understand how FDCs respond to different stimuli. Precision and attention to detail will be crucial in this process.

Collaboration is a big part of what we do. You will work closely with other researchers to support broader research goals, including grant applications and scientific publications. This might involve writing manuscripts or collaborating with colleagues to ensure the clarity of research findings. You will be responsible for assessing and driving societal impact initiatives related to the project. Working closely with both academic and industry stakeholders, you will contribute to translating research outcomes into practical, real-world solutions, with the potential for these solutions to be adopted by the pharmaceutical industry.

Your ultimate aim is to uncover hidden mechanisms, identifying PRRs and other receptors expressed by FDCs. Your task is to optimise stimulation protocols that target specific PRRs, selecting and refining stimuli to induce FDC activation and viability. Investigating how antigen presentation to B cells is impacted by PRR stimulation and deepening our understanding of FDCs’ role in germinal center immune activation, will be central to your work.

This position offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex world of immunology and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Are you ready to dive into this exciting challenge and help us unlock the mysteries of FDCs?

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in immunology, molecular biology, and data analysis. Besides that, you have multiple of the following qualifications:

• You hold a PhD in Immunology or a Related Field and have a proven track record of research excellence.
• You are familiar with techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry, sequencing, and cell culture.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and execute experiments.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings in both scientific papers and presentations.
• You are proficient with software for data analysis, such as R or Python, and experience with bioinformatics tools.
• You are able to work effectively in a team environment, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• You are willing and capable to bridge diverse perspectives, foster collaboration between academic and industry representatives and integrate knowledge from multiple angles to address complex societal problems.

This is a unique opportunity to take part in a three-year postdoctoral position. This extended period offers you the chance to delve deeply into your research and contribute significantly to groundbreaking studies in FDC biology. The stability of a three-year position allows for more comprehensive projects, supporting your efforts to build a solid foundation in your research area. You will also have the flexibility and support needed to apply for grants like the NWO VENI grant during this period, which can significantly enhance your career prospects. Furthermore, we offer:

• a job for three years;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 (salary scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The research will be performed at the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), which is part of the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

At the Lab for Germinal Center Biology, science is all about having fun while pushing the boundaries of knowledge. We foster collaboration and initiative, encouraging everyone to take ownership of their projects. Instead of just focusing on translational biology, we dig deep into fundamental biology, which often leads to surprising discoveries that can change medicine. Making mistakes is part of the process, they spark the most interesting questions! We value responsibility and embrace the excitement of working at the leading edge of immunological research.

For more information, please contact Dr B.A. Heesters at b.a.heesters@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'apply now' button. Please enclose:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees;
• a copy of your PhD certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defence will take place.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.