PhD Immune function in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. While targeted therapies have improved outcomes, they are not curative and long-term use is associated with resistance, toxicity, and high costs.

T cell-based strategies, such as CAR-T cells, are promising, but show limited efficacy in CLL due to disease-associated T-cell dysfunction. In the Netherlands, we run multiple international trials testing targeted and T cell-based therapies, with centralized collection of molecular and immunophenotypic data and patient samples.

This project is part of a national initiative with three PhD positions focused on radiomics, MRD, and immune dysfunction, supported by the Dutch foundation for Hemato-Oncology (HOVON).

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

In this PhD project, you will use high-dimensional datasets to understand treatment responses, predict which patients benefit from specific therapies, and help design future trials testing personalized approaches. You will perform wet-lab experiments (e.g. high-dimensional flow cytometry, molecular and genetic assays) and integrate these with computational analyses using biostatistics and bioinformatics.

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative PhD candidate with a strong academic background and a (nearly completed) Master’s degree in molecular sciences, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, or a related field.

Furthermore you should have:

• A genuine interest in immunology and cellular biology;
• Practical experience with cell culture and high-dimensional flow cytometry;
• Affinity with biostatistics and/or bioinformatics is strongly preferred;
• A proactive and creative mindset, with the ability to work both independently and in a team;
• Strong communication skills, given the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the project.

• 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.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here. From July 1st, 2025, there will be a salary increase of 3%, up to the maximum amount of scale 11.
• 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.

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

You will be part of the Immuno-Hematology group embedded in the department of Hematology at Amsterdam UMC. This department is a highly collaborative environment with lots of knowledge on hematological malignancies and immune-dysfunction as well as clinical trials and translational research.

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.

Applications should be written in English and contain:

• Cover letter explaining relevant work experience and your motivation for joining our team;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Names and addresses of two references.

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

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Prof. Arnon Kater, clinical and translational hematologist, via a.p.kater@amsterdamumc.nl or Fleur Peters, postdoc molecular immunology via f.s.peters@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, Recruitment advisor, via c.i.edwards@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.