Would you like to contribute to a dynamic group of researchers and clinicians to develop a novel treatment strategy to cure chronic hepatitis B and prevent hepatocellular carcinoma? Are you interested in a post-doc project involving collaboration with academic and industrial partners? Do you have experience in immunological research?

If yes, the Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Erasmus MC is now recruiting for a research position in a project aimed at understanding and improving host immunity to the hepatitis B virus. The research project will follow-up on our past and current research focused on the development of a synthetic long peptide-based therapeutic HBV vaccine and fill the remaining gaps in our knowledge needed to take this vaccine to the clinic. Your research activities will include:
- Identification of the optimal immune stimulatory strategy in chronic HBV patients.
- Identification of patient factors and existing therapies that support vaccine response.
- Development of immunological (T cell) assays to monitor vaccine efficacy ex vivo.
- Collaboration on ongoing research projects in our research group focused on the identification of the optimal antigenic targets.

You will use mainly cellular immunological techniques related to human dendritic cell function, T cell immunity and antigen presentation e.g. cell culture and isolation, flow cytometry, ELISA. Furthermore you will design new or modify existing immunological assays to optimally monitor vaccine efficacy ex vivo. Finally you will perform analysis to relate immunological parameters as well as clinical and virological disease parameters to vaccine-induced responses.

We are seeking a candidate with a PhD in Immunology. Excellent practical skills as well as academic writing skills, experience with basic Immunological and Biochemical techniques and knowledge on statistics are required. Proficiency in the Dutch language is preferred. You are highly motivated, ambitious, result-driven and an excellent team player with affinity for the development of (antigen-based) immunotherapy, dendritic cell immunology and/ or antigen presentation.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment

Fixed-term contract: 1 - 2 years.

We offer a temporary position for initially 1 year, with the possibility that the contract will be extended for another 2 years. The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 4.152,- (scale 10), depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

The Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

The Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Erasmus MC offers a unique environment for high-level biomedical research on liver and gastrointestinal disorders. The liver research of the laboratory focuses on chronic viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. The viral hepatitis immunology research group of Dr Woltman is an internationally acknowledged team of a post-doc, 2 PhD students (+1 vacancy) and 2 technicians working in close interaction with hepatologists from our clinic. More information about our lab and research group is available here.