Postdoc personalized treatment for auto-antibody mediated rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. RA patients follow a standard treatment protocol using sequential or combination treatment with DMARDS, steroids and biologics. However, refractory patients do not respond to either of these. We aim to develop novel immunotherapeutic drugs for treatment of these refractory patients.

The van Egmond lab works on unique research angles to better understand the pathophysiology of RA. Auto-antibody responses and activation of neutrophils are understudied areas in RA. We intend to investigate the activation of neutrophils by (auto-)antibodies, because we demonstrated that particularly antibodies of the IgA isotype potently activate neutrophils, mediate neutrophil migration, and induce tissue damage. We have access to unique human samples of RA patients and recombinant auto-antibodies from various human isotypes. Antibody detection assays and functional assays with myeloid cells are up and running in our laboratory.

Gained knowledge will give new fundamental insights on the effects of IgA/IgG/IgM auto-antibody characteristics on myeloid cell activation. Furthermore, these findings will advance scientific knowledge in RA and other auto-immune diseases. Ultimately, through these investigations we aim to set up companion diagnostics to guide therapy of RA-patients.

As a post-doc on this project you will:

• Determine myeloid cell function and activation by patient autoantibodies;
• Work closely with our team and collaborators on this project;
• Author manuscripts submitted to high quality peer-reviewed journals;
• Present your work at conferences;
• Be involved in supervising students, PhD students and technicians.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with:

• A master degree Biomedical Sciences or equivalent, with affinity for immunology;
• A (nearly) completed PhD program;
• Experience with cellular responses, molecular biology and functional assays;
• You have a flexible, pro-active team spirit, but you can also work independently;
• You have excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• The position is for 3 years. We first offer a fixed term contract for 1 year, which under normal circumstances will be prolonged with 2 years. We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 gross per month based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.
• For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

The project will be performed in the group of Prof. dr. Marjolein van Egmond, which comprises an international, multidisciplinary team with young and enthusiastic researchers. Work will be performed in the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, location Boelelaan (O|2 Building). The van Egmond lab has ample experience working with human neutrophils, and has established multiple functional assays, and relevant mouse models.

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with a Polish company and the Rheumatology departments at the Amsterdam UMC and LUMC in order to make the project fully translational from bench to bedside. This collaborative TKI project is funded by Health Holland and is embedded in Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AI&I) (amsterdamumc.org).

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

The intended start date for the project is June 1st, 2025.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Myrthe van Delft via m.vandelft@amsterdamumc.nl or Marjolein van Egmond via m.vanegmond@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.