PhD in human in-vitro immunotherapy testing for autoimmune disease

Do you want to help develop immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases without using animal models? Are you excited about advanced 3D culture systems and human-based platforms to study immune regulation in rheumatoid arthritis? Join us as a PhD candidate!

Your job
Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion) is a new national centre dedicated to accelerating the transition of biomedical innovations without relying on animal testing. Together with a large number of national and international partners, Ombion will work on the development and dissemination of animal-free biomedical innovation and expertise within different transition projects: ALS, cystic fibrosis, asthma & COPD, and Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid arthritis.

Within this project we focus on new platforms to study immunmodulation in rheumatoid arthritis, and build upon expertise within the group and the wider consortium. Collectively, we combine expertise in immunological assays, 3D organ models, and antibody-based therapies. As a team, we prioritise effective collaboration, ongoing feedback, and both professional and personal development.

At Utrecht University there are plenty of opportunities to facilitate your development. We currently have two PhD positions available: You will be working closely together within the group but also with other partners as this project is a collaboration between the Immunology group of the Division of Infectious diseases & Immunology, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, at Utrecht University, Mimetas and Genmab and the group of Prof Tim Welting (Maastricht UMC+).

During you PhD trajectory, you will experience working in a collaborative project with academic partners and life science companies. You will also enrol in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) Infectious diseases and Immunology programme and will be working in a supporting team environment were there is room for you personal development.

PhD position 1
So far, the development of novel immunotherapies, such as vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, requires animal testing due to the need for a functional immune system. Conventional 2D culture systems fail to capture the complexity of the immune system. To overcome these limitations, this PhD project will focus on developing and applying lymph node-on-a-chip (LN-on-a-chip) platforms. Your tasks:

• You set up co-culture of multiple immune cell types in a physiologically relevant microenvironment.
• You validate the system by observing cell–cell interactions, organized tissue-like structures, and functional immune responses using techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA.
• You use the system to model human diseases using patient material - Screen novel immunotherapies for efficacy.

PhD position 2
Therapies for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aim to dampen chronic inflammatory responses. We have identified regulatory T cells recognising a conserved stress-induced antigen as promising therapeutic means to halt disease progression. This PhD project will explore the mechanisms underlying the activation and acquisition of regulatory function in stress-induced T cells in patients with RA. Your tasks:

• You clone the TCR of available stress antigen-specific regulatory T cells and introduce into different cell reporter systems.
• You set up co-cultures of primary and reporter cells to determine the conditions leading to acquisition of regulatory function in T cells - Stratify a cohort of RA patients based on therapies received and test for regulatory T cell function.
• You screen novel stress-associated T cell ligands for immune regulatory potential.

• A position for 12 months, with extension to a total of four years upon positive evaluation;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (salary scale P under 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. 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.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

The Immunology section of the Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology brings together researchers studying fundamental and translational aspects of immune regulation in health and disease. The group combines expertise in cellular immunology, host–pathogen interactions, immune tolerance, and advanced human in-vitro modelling. We collaborate extensively within the Life Sciences ecosystem of Utrecht University and with clinical and industrial partners to develop innovative approaches for understanding and modulating immune responses. Our research environment is collaborative, methodologically diverse, and strongly committed to training the next generation of immunologists.

For more information, please contact Prof Femke Broere at f.broere@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.