Systemic autoimmune diseases are often characterized by the presence of autoreactive B-cells and antibodies. Given the efficacy of B cell targeted therapies, combined with the presence of prognostic disease-specific auto-antibodies and multiple functional data, it is now generally accepted that autoreactive B cells play an intimate, pathogenic role in several rheumatic diseases. Recently, we discovered that autoreactive B cells are continuously activated, and this is also the case in patients in clinical remission achieved by anti-rheumatic drugs. Although some B cell activation pathways are shared in different autoimmune diseases, there are also distinct features associated with each disease. In this project, we aim to delineate the B cell phenotype in different autoimmune rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis), and to investigate how autoreactive B cells can be silenced by medication. Your research focuses on a thorough examination of B cells and autoantibodies from patients. You analyse the effect of therapy on autoreactive B cell repertoire and phenotype and correlate these with clinical outcomes. Techniques include cell culture, spectral flow cytometry, single cell RNA-sequencing, proteomic analysis, and analysis of BCR repertoires. The project involves both fundamental and translational research in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team of technicians, immunologists and rheumatologists.

We are looking for an excellent and ambitious candidate with an MSc degree in biomedical or biopharmaceutical sciences, medicine or equivalent. You have a proven interest in the field of cellular immunology and/or autoimmunity. You have a flexible mindset, excellent communication skills and are a good team player. Hands-on experience with flowcytometry is strongly preferred, as well as affinity with data analysis (such as experience with or willingness to learn data analysis in R).

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be given an employment contract for the production of a PhD thesis for the duration of the program with a maximum of four years. The salary amounts to € 2,495 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,196 in the last year with fulltime employment (scale Pro, CAO UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!