PhD immunology and metabolism

Within the departments of Molecular cell biology & Immunology, and Pathology of Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), three positions are available for PhD students to perform research in the recently awarded NWA-ORC project “Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases (META-IMMUNOTYPES)”.

Metabolic syndrome is a major health problem, affecting up to 40% of the population. This condition not only poses significant health risks on its own, but also increases the likelihood of developing other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.

The META-IMMUNOTYPES consortium focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and metabolism in metabolic syndrome and its related conditions. By identifying early warning signals, such as hidden inflammation, through simple blood tests and advanced technology, the project aims to shift the focus from treatment to prevention, enabling lifestyle interventions before symptoms arise.

You will work with a large team of clinicians and translational researchers setting up a workflow for the biobanking of materials collected from a cohort of individuals undergoing a lifestyle intervention. In addition to this general task, there will be three subprojects that will be your main responsibility. When writing your motivation letter, indicate which subproject you have a preference for and why:

• Subproject 1 (led by Dr. Juan J. García Vallejo): You will collaborate with a team of experts in setting up comprehensive multi-layered immune monitoring strategies spanning over 70-marker panels and time-lapse flow cytometry. You will work together with a postdoc on creating novel data models and identifying interesting biomarker leads for the development of next-generation miniaturized assays for screening purposes.
• Subproject 2 (led by Dr. Rubina Baglio): Within our group, you will investigate how lifestyle and biological diversity influence immune-metabolic status and contribute to the development of metabolic diseases. You will develop and apply a cutting-edge, highly multiplexed immune-metabolic profiling methodology and functional assays to unravel these complex interactions. In addition, you will explore how circulating factors, including extracellular vesicles, reprogram immune cell metabolism and function, with the goal of identifying strategies to counteract their detrimental effects and inform future therapeutic interventions.
• Subproject 3 (led by Dr. Jan van den Bossche): Within IMMUNOMETLAB, you will perform pioneering immunometabolism research to advance our understanding on how changes in metabolic activity translate into altered immune functions and set the balance between health and disease. You will develop new assays, including time-lapse cytometry combined with single-cell metabolic and functional readouts, to determine the interplay between immune cell profiles to metabolic activity and disease.

• 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: € 3.108 to € 3.939 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.

The departments of Molecular cell biology & Immunology, and Pathology carry out research at an internationally competitive level and offers a stimulating work environment. The research in our departments concentrates on immunological questions about immune regulation and inflammation. More information can be found here: Immunology Amsterdam – Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (MCBI).

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.

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:

• Subproject 1: Juan J. Garcia Vallejo, MD, PhD, MBA, at jj.garciavallejo@amsterdamumc.nl
• Subproject 2: Rubina Baglio, PhD, at s.baglio@amsterdamumc.nl
• Subproject 3: Jan van den Bossche, PhD, at j.vandenbossche@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 assessment 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.