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Are you looking for a PhD programme at the interface of immunometabolism, molecular biology and cancer immunotherapy? Apply now! We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Foskolou Lab at Sanquin Research in Amsterdam to investigate how metabolic pathways shape T cell function and how this knowledge can be harnessed to improve immunotherapy outcomes.

T cells are central players in immune defence and cancer immunotherapy. Their ability to proliferate, persist, and eliminate tumour cells depends strongly on their metabolic state and the conditions they encounter in the tumour microenvironment. This project will investigate how epitranscriptomic regulation (RNA methylation) can affect T cell metabolism and use this knowledge to enhance T cell immunotherapies.

The project will build on recently published insights. You will investigate how mRNA methylation can affect metabolic cues that shape T cell fate and function, and how these processes can be exploited to improve T cell-based immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy.

The project will combine:

• cellular and molecular immunology
• metabolic profiling and functional assays
• tumour models and immunotherapy approaches

• You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Immunology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Oncology, Biomedical Sciences).
• You have a strong interest in tumour immunology and immunometabolism.
• You have hands-on laboratory experience, demonstrate independent thinking, and have a team-oriented attitude.
• You are well organized, with strong attention to accurate record-keeping and efficiency.
• You are fluent in English, written and spoken, and you are skilled at presenting.
• You are willing to work with experimental animals (experience is a plus, but not required).
• 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. The contract is for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.

Inschaling in salarisschaal OIO: € 3.108 tot € 3.939 bruto bij een fulltime dienstverband (afhankelijk van ervaring) en een eindejaarsuitkering van 8,3%. You may calculate your net salary. Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours. Pension accrual with BeFrank. 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. Walking or cycling is supported through a bike scheme with reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch the video for more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

You will be appointed within the department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC Research BV, and the medical priority of immunotherapy of Sanquin Research. You will work with the Foskolou group at Sanquin with PhD students and postdocs working on T cell metabolism and CAR-T cell immunotherapies. You will be embedded in a multidisciplinary and enthusiastic environment that fosters national and international collaborations.

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 project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

The first round of online interviews is scheduled for end of February. The second round of interviews will generally follow on mid-March.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Iosifina Foskolou, via email at i.p.foskolou at amsterdamumc dot nl or i Foskolou at sanquin dot nl. For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, at r.e.sandfort at amsterdamumc dot nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.