PhD position - chemical approach for molecular understanding of inhibitory receptor agonists

We offer a PhD-student position in a collaboration between UMCU and Leiden University. You will address long standing fundamental questions on inhibitory immune receptor: ligand interactions to develop inhibitory receptor agonists.

Dit ga je doen

A healthy immune system clears microbes without damaging the body. For this purpose, immune cells are regulated by inhibitory receptors that serve as a break on activation. It is possible to intervene with these receptors: blocking these receptors (thus removing the breaks) led to clinical improvement in the treatment of e.g. melanoma. Vise versa, agonists for inhibitory receptors have potential to suppress excessive inflammation, e.g. in autoimmunity.

The exact mechanism of how inhibitory receptors interact with their ligands is not understood. Especially for soluble ligands that are not expression on cells, it is unknown what receptor:ligand dynamics lead to optimal receptor activation. In this project, funded by the ZonMW Open Competition, immunologists team up with chemists to visualize and follow individual ligand:receptors interactions on immune cells using single-molecule microscopy. This way, we aim to unveil the fundamental requirements of ligands such that we make chemical designer ligands for inhibitory receptors.

For this project, we are recruiting two PhD students; one with a more cellular focus in the UMCU (for details see the "the department" section) and one with a more chemical focus in the Molecular Immunology group headed Sander van Kasteren at Leiden University (Information below). You will actively collaborate with the Leiden-PhD student, and will frequently visit Leiden University. Both PhD students perform work in both laboratories in both institutes. If you are interested (too) in the vacancy at Leiden University, please visit their website and apply there (too). We are explicitly open to non-Dutch applicants.

About the molecular immunology group

The molecular immunology group in Leiden works on developing new methods and technology to understand how immune cells interact with their environment; both during activation and deactivation. We use combinations of biotechnology, chemical synthesis, proteomics and single cell techniques to address questions that we cannot currently answer. This workflow means that the projects in the group are highly cross-disciplinary and that a PhD candidate will learn a wide range of cutting edge techniques.

Hier ga je werken

You will part of the Inhibitory Receptor Lab that is led by Prof. Linde Meyaard and Dr. Michiel van der Vlist. The Inhibitory Receptor Lab is situated in the Center for Translational Immunology in the UMC Utrecht and is part of the Oncode Institute for cancer research. At the Center for Translational Immunology, approximately 200 people study immune responses in all their facets.

The mission of our laboratory is to use the full potential of inhibitory receptors to cure inflammatory disease and cancer. We aim to be a world-leading inhibitory receptor laboratory that unveils immunological concepts and biological mechanisms of inhibitory receptors to develop therapeutics. We maximize translation of our research with advanced in vitro models when suitable, in vivo models where needed, and inclusion of primary human patient samples in these models. We maximize valorization by obtaining public and private funding, and we train future generations of immunologist with diverse career paths.

We strongly value ‘team science’ where group members help each other, so that the team goal surpasses the individual goals. We value a combination of disciplines in our team. We embrace diversity and cherish uniqueness of every individual. We are kind to the person, but tough on the data.

Dit neem je mee

• Intrinsic interest and motivation for basic science;

• ‘Master of Science’ degree, or equivalent, in immunology, biochemistry, life science and technology, or a related discipline is a must.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between €3017 and €3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment.
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.