In 30-35% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia, the malignant disease is caused by a mutation in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene. On the surface of these leukemic cells, mutant NPM1 peptides are presented by HLA molecules. In the research, T-cell receptors for mutant NPM1 peptides are tested for their capacity to recognize and kill leukemic cells using cytokine ELISA, cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometry. As postdoctoral researcher, you will design, plan and conduct experiments and analyze data. You will closely collaborate with researchers at an international biomedical research company, write scientific reports and present your proceedings in work discussions and (inter)national meetings. You will work with receptors on T-lymphocytes that are specific for a genetic mutation that often occurs in acute myeloid leukemia. You will use these T-cell receptors in a cellular product that can be administered to patients. In addition to clinical development and implementation of gene therapy with previously identified T-cell receptors, you will also search for new T-cell receptors and test whether these can be used to treat patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

You hold a PhD degree in biomedical sciences or medicine, have affinity with immunotherapy of cancer and hands-on experience with cell culture, flow cytometry and immunological techniques. Experience with culturing T-lymphocytes is an advantage. Working within a multidisciplinary international team of scientists and technicians is essential as is a high degree of motivation, enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. You must be fluent in English to communicate with the team, and for writing manuscripts and giving presentations at (inter)national meetings.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Je werkt in een dienstverband van 36 uur per week. Je wordt aangesteld voor de duur van het project voor twee jaar. Het salaris is afhankelijk van je opleiding en ervaring en bedraagt maximaal €4.361,- bruto per maand bij een fulltime dienstverband (schaal 10, cao UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), we are continually seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The LUMC aims for excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training and continuing education.

http://www.lumc.nl/

Department of Hematology

Cellular immunotherapy as personalized medicine is a strategic focus of the LUMC Department of Hematology. T-lymphocytes are selected and relevant antigens and T-cell receptors are identified by molecular and biochemical techniques. Medically trained colleagues and basic scientists intensively collaborate on the development and application of cellular immunotherapies in which T-lymphocytes are produced and used as personalized medicine.