Postdoc Immune-metabolic profiling in multiple myeloma

Explore the immune-metabolic landscape in multiple myeloma to predict and improve T-cell immunotherapy response.

Job description

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a broad range of immune evasion strategies, that result in abnormalities in immune cell (and particularly T-cell) responses. Cumulative exposure to several anti-MM drugs reduce T-cell numbers or induce functional T-cell defects. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that the MM microenvironment, which consists of several components, including BM stromal cells (BMSCs), immune suppressor cells and immunosuppressive molecules, promotes tumor growth, impairs immune responses and limits the efficacy of anticancer treatments including T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies.

So far, in depth understanding of the local and systemic immune dynamics during treatment with conventional flow cytometry has been restricted by the limited number of markers that can be detected simultaneously, imposing the need for large amount of input material. Most importantly, however, current immune profiling methods do not address the actual immune cell functional status.

Recently, it became clear that virtually all aspects of immune cell function, including differentiation, migration and secretion of immunomodulatory molecules, are regulated by dynamic changes in cellular metabolism. As an example, glycolysis has a crucial role in T cell effector function as well as in the immuno-stimulatory activity of antigen presenting cells, while fatty acid oxidation controls the development of regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells. Importantly, recent groundbreaking studies revealed that the metabolic status can functionally discriminate T cell subsets sharing common phenotypic features that cannot be resolved using traditional markers. This underscores the potential of immune-metabolic profiling to uncover the immune dynamics that preclude effective antitumor immunity, and provide new insights into strategies to improve therapy response

Using cutting-edge spectral flow cytometry and cellular and molecular biology techniques, the immune-metabolic profiling team you will be part of will:

• Determine how tumor cells influence the blood and bone marrow immune landscape and functional status in multiple myeloma;
• Explore the alterations of the blood and bone marrow immune environment induced by anti-MM therapies (with a focus on T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies)
• Explore which factors predict durable response or MRD-negativity;
• Study the mechanisms underlying immune alterations with a particular focus on communication mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) using relevant in vitro 3D systems.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. The primary focus of this role will be the spectral flow cytometry analysis of a large number of clinical samples. Ideal candidates will have experience with complex, highly parametric cytometry panels and a strong background in data analysis. Additionally, you should be well-organized, and reliable in the lab.

You will be part of a dynamic, international research group and feel comfortable working in an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural environment. As an enthusiastic scientist, you should also meet the following qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, oncology or other related fields;
• Extensive experience with spectral flow cytometry and analysis;
• Familiarity with cell culture and molecular biology techniques (preferred);
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Conditions of employment

• 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 (extension possible, subject to funding).
• Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 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: 186,4 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.

Employer

Amsterdam UMC

We are offering a position in the Tumor Microenvironment Research Group (www.exosomes.nl), Department of Pathology, in close collaboration with the Department of Hematology, within the Cancer Center Amsterdam of the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, under supervision of Dr Rubina Baglio and Prof Niels van de Donk. In this laboratory, a wide array of techniques and systems are used to better understand and target the microenvironmental dynamics driving tumor progression. In particular, our group focuses on the communication between tumor and immune cells and on how anticancer treatment modulate antitumor immune responses.

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.

Additional information

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

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr Rubina Baglio, via s.baglio@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Kim Hooijmans, Recruitment advisor, via k.i.m.hooijmans@amsterdamumc.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 is not appreciated.