The project
Glycosylation is the most abundant post-translational modification of proteins, whereby each pathogen or tumor cell carries a specific sugar pattern (the “sugar code”). Our research centers on how the immune system deciphers the glyco-code by employing glycan-binding C-type lectin receptors to adjust and fine-tune immune responses. We aim to investigate how different ligands induce C-type lectin signaling and how this affects dendritic cell biology. Moreover, we will employ a powerful high-throughput method to identify and develop small glycosylated macrocyclic peptides that target C-type lectins, in order to identify molecules that can eventually be used to activate or dampen immune activity. This project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and is a joint collaboration between the research groups of dr. S.J. van Vliet (Amsterdam UMC/VUMC) and dr. S. Jongkees (Utrecht University).

Your Challenge
Your main tasks and responsibilities will be:

• Generation of synthetic glycan molecules that target C-type lectin receptors
• Identification of ligand-specific C-type lectin signaling pathways
• Validation of immune cell reprogramming through co-cultures of glycan-primed dendritic cells and T cells
• To address whether the novel macrocyclic peptides stimulate or inhibit C-type lectin signaling and dendritic cell function
• You will use state-of-the-art high-dimensional cytometry techniques, RNA-sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence and apply bioinformatics to analyze the data.

For the group of dr. S.J. van Vliet, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with the following qualities and requirements:

• A Master’s degree in a field related to biomolecular sciences, molecular and cellular life sciences, biopharmaceuticals sciences or similar;
• Affinity for immunology and chemical biology;
• Knowledge of bio-informatics (R software) is a plus;
• Interest in pushing the boundaries of research through technology-driven applications;
• A flexible, pro-active team spirit;
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

Salary Scale PHD: 2422 tot 3103 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition we offer:

• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).
• We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.

We offer an initial contract for 12 months that can be extended (after evaluation) for another 36 months.

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

For Dutch citizens it is mandatory to provide a VOG (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag).

Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc

Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc

Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology

The research will be performed within the group of dr. S.J. van Vliet in the Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology at Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc; within the O|2 Lab Building located near the hospital). You will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in immunology, oncology, biochemistry and cell biology. Research within the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology is performed in a stimulating environment and at an international high competitive level. The department consists of several research groups that study immunological processes at cellular and molecular level in health and disease.