Postdoc immunology

Within the department of Molecular cell biology & Immunology of Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), two positions are vacant for postdoctoral researchers to perform innovative research on two recently awarded grants.

• On the NWA-ORC META-IMMUNOTYPES project “Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases” we will be investigating metabolic syndrome. This 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.
• On the T2B-iCARE project we will be investigating the role of aberrant B-cell differentiation and escape from immunological checkpoints governing tolerance and B-cell selection/activation that may lead to autoreactive B-cells and (auto)antibodies. In our T2B! Consortium (2018-2023) we have provided a unique composition of the B-cell compartment by deep-phenotyping defining ‘immunotypes’ from diverse B-cell immune-mediated disorders (B-IMDs), including their dynamics to first-line treatment. In this new project, we aim to develop a disease-overarching strategy to select difficult-to-treat patients with B-IMDs, i.e. not responding to first/second-line treatment, amendable for early escalation with third-line treatment (‘hit early, hit hard’ principle).

In this project, you will work in a multidisciplinary team integrating state-of-the-art immuno-metabolic research, proteomics, clinical research, and data-analysis.

For both projects we are seeking highly motivated and talented postdocs that will work with a large team of clinicians and translational researchers in setting up a workflow for the biobanking of materials collected from a cohort of individuals undergoing a lifestyle intervention. Besides this general task, there will be two subprojects that will be your main responsibility. When writing your motivation letter indicate for which subproject do you have preference and why:

• Subproject 1 (META-IMMUNOTYPES): 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 PhD student on creating novel data models and identifying interesting biomarker leads for the development of next-generation miniaturized assays for screening purposes.
• Subproject 2 (T2B-iCARE): You will focus on the development of tools for the identification of generic and unique immunotypic cues that can be applied in either in B-cell immune-mediated disorders for more effective B-cell-tailored therapies.

• 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 possibility of extension.
• 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.

The department of Molecular cell biology & Immunology carry out research at an internationally competitive level and offers a stimulating work environment. The research in our department 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 Juan J. Garcia Vallejo, MD, PhD, MBA, at jj.garciavallejo@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.