PhD in mucosal immunology and stem cell research

This PhD project is focused on human intestinal tuft cells, a rare epithelial cell type which play a key role in driving repair processes and is known to strongly interact with the immune system, such as innate lymphoid cells. Through cutting-edge methods, like human intestinal organoids, Crispr/CAS9-based genetic editing, advanced imaging techniques, and (single-cell) transcriptomic profiling, we’re working to answer fundamental questions how tuft cells contribute to intestinal development, homeostasis, and repair.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

You are at the forefront of research on immune-epithelial crosstalk and regenerative medicine research. You will gain expertise in innovative molecular and cellular technologies. Specifically, you will:

• Use advanced imaging technologies to map cell types of interest;
• Perform and analyze (single cell) spatial transcriptomic experiments;
• Isolate rare cells of interest from primary human intestinal tissue using advanced purification techniques and FACS methods;
• Generate human intestinal organoids (mini-intestines) and use them for gain- and loss-of-function assays using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies;
• Expand and functionally test isolated innate lymphocytes (ILCs);
• Set up and perform complex cell cultures in which organoids and immune cells are combined.

You are ready to tackle complex scientific challenges and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries at a translational level. You have:

• A master’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field;
• Experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, and/or bioinformatics;
• Experience abroad is a plus;
• A proactive and curious mindset, with an intrinsic motivation to explore the unknown;
• Excellent communication skills and command of English to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

• 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 intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 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.

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.

Thrive in a collaborative and inspiring translational research environment that values curiosity in the vibrant academic hub of Amsterdam, at the Department of Experimental Immunology, the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AII), and Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA).

The Bernink Group is a young and dynamic research group within the Department EXIM at Amsterdam UMC, location AMC. EXIM consists of more than 10 research groups and an interdisciplinary team of 50+ PhD students and postdocs. Within this inspiring environment, we work on groundbreaking discoveries in the field of immunology, infectious diseases and cancer.

We focus on innovative immunological research, with a strong focus on innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and epithelial biology, in particular tuft cells in the intestine. Thanks to our close collaboration with the clinic, we can perform both fundamental and translational research at the highest level.

This offers a unique opportunity to be part of groundbreaking research at the interface of immunology and stem cell research.