PhD student Neuro-immunology

28 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Amsterdam UMC

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

18 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Current treatment regimens effectively dampen acute clinical symptoms, but do not halt disease progression. Therefore, there remains a great need to better define the underlying processes of MS progression to come to new diagnostic and prognostic tools (imaging, biomarkers) and novel targets for treatment. Studies suggest that tissue damage in MS begins with lymphocytic trafficking into the brain across the various brain barriers which may progress to chronic, compartmentalised inflammation, resulting in demyelination and tissue damage. Recently, exciting new findings highlight that ongoing tissue degeneration is mediated by interactions between immune cells present in choroid plexus (ChP), the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the brain parenchyma and surrounding meninges (Rodriguez-Lorenzo et al., eLife 2022; van Olst et al., ACTA Neuropath, 2021), indicating that, depending on the disease state, various brain areas that border the CSF are involved in disease progression.

In the current project we aim to push these insights further, in order to unravel how the immune alterations at the ChP, the CSF and the CSF brain border drive MS progression to come to novel biomarkers and targets for treatment. For this, you will combine the various expertise within the MS center Amsterdam. You will decipher how altered volumetric changes of the ChP (determined using MRI) associate with markers of immune activation and tissue damage as well as disease progression and you will determine how cellular changes in CSF correlate to disease progression. Additionally, you will create a better understanding of how cells cross the blood CSF barrier and affect brain regions that border the CSF by building novel iPSC derived in vitro models to test your hypothesis.

This highly translational project encompasses fundamental research questions, extensive analyses of MS patient scans and material, and testing of new therapeutic approaches in in vitro models, with the ultimate goal to translate our findings to the clinic.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with:

• A master’s degree in a field related to biomedical sciences, neuroscience, immunology, bioinformatics;
• Affinity for (neuro)immunology, neuroscience, and cell biology;
• A flexible and pro-active attitude with team spirit, but a strong ability to work independently;
• A ‘can-do’ mentality, with patience and perseverance;
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, in vitro models using iPSC technology and (MR) imaging analyses is a plus;
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

Hepatitis B vaccination is mandatory and will be provided by Amsterdam UMC.

Additional Information
Benefits

The intended start date for the project is September 1st 2024.

• The position is for 4 years. We first offer a fixed term contract for 1 year, which under normal circumstances will be prolonged with 3 years. We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Salary scale: OIO € 2.901 - € 3.677 (based on a 36 hour week), depending on qualifications and experience.
• Additional benefits including an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay. Calculate your net salary here .
• Your pension is accrued at The Dutch Pension Fund for government and education employees (ABP). Amsterdam UMC contributes 70% of this scheme
• We reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website .

Additional comments

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

We aim to have the job interviews at the end of May, we ask you to keep this in mind in advance.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Elga de Vries, via [email protected] .

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, Recruitment Advisor, via [email protected] or via 06-21487245.

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 is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339580/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Amsterdam UMC

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1117

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339580/phd-student-neuro-immunology/apply/#…

Contact

City

Amsterdam Zuidoost

Website

https://www.amsterdamumc.org/

Street

Meibergdreef 9

Postal Code

1105 AZ

STATUS: EXPIRED