Postdoc translational tumor immunology in multiple myeloma

With the advent of novel immunotherapies such as conventional antibodies, T cell–targeting antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and CAR T cells, the treatment of multiple myeloma is advancing rapidly, opening new possibilities for a potential cure.

Over the past decade our multiple Myeloma team has made significant contributions to the development and improvement of immunotherapy of multiple myeloma, as well as to understanding immune aging processes, through comprehensive functional, phenotypic, and genetic analyses of large, dedicated patient biobanks.

To elevate our research to the next level, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how immune aging and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence treatment responses in multiple myeloma.

You will apply and further develop cutting-edge immune profiling technologies to uncover immune mechanisms underlying therapeutic efficacy and resistance.

• You will perform multiparameter immune phenotyping of bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood samples to deepen our insights into how immune dysfunction negatively affects immunotherapy outcomes in multiple myeloma. You will focus on novel T cell immunotherapies such as CAR T cell therapy and T cell redirecting bispecific and trispecific antibodies. A better understanding of resistance mechanisms may lead to novel strategies to improve efficacy of immunotherapy.
• You will set up and execute advanced techniques including spectral flow cytometry, imaging mass - cytometry (IMC/Image CyTOF) and spatial genomics on bone marrow samples to deepen our understanding of TME and therapy outcomes.
• You will conduct functional immunological assays to deepen our insights into immune exhaustion and senescence, and evaluate novel strategies to enhance efficacy of immunotherapy by mitigating immune dysfunction or immunosuppressive components in TME.
• You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of immunologists, hematologists, and bioinformaticians.
• You will present findings at internal and external scientific meetings.

• 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 or 5 years.
• Salary scale 10: € 3.598 to € 5.669 gross 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.

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 department of Hematology at Amsterdam UMC, chaired by Prof. Sonja Zweegman, location VUmc is specialized in the treatment of patients with hematological malignancies. Within the Hematology laboratory, of the Cancer Center Amsterdam, researchers are investigating leukemia at the molecular and cellular level, in close collaboration with the clinicians.

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 Richard Groen, coordinator, at r.groen@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, at 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 will not be considered.