Postdoc to investigate Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC) Stimulation

Join our team to unravel the complex effects of PRR stimulation on FDC functionality and its consequences for FDC interactions with immune cells in the GC.

Your job
As a postdoctoral fellow in our diverse immunology team, you will investigate how Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) stimulation impacts Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC) functionality in Germinal Centers. Conduct scRNAseq data analysis, develop protocols, and refine assays to study FDC activation. You collaborate with pharmaceutical experts and contribute to independent scientific publications.

As part of our team, you will take on a critical role in understanding the inner workings of Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs). You will start with analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data to uncover the key receptors and pathways that drive FDC function. This involves diving deep into complex datasets to reveal hidden mechanisms within these cells.

You will also be responsible for designing and optimising experimental protocols. These protocols are aimed at stimulating specific Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) on FDCs to augment their activation, viability, and overall functionality. To ensure that these protocols are both effective and efficient will be part of your work. Another key aspect of your role is refining assays to assess FDC functionality. This includes measuring changes in cytokine secretion and transcriptomics before and after stimulation, helping to understand how FDCs respond to different stimuli. Precision and attention to detail will be crucial in this process.

Collaboration is a big part of what we do. You will work closely with other researchers to support broader research goals, including grant applications and scientific publications. This might involve writing manuscripts or collaborating with colleagues to ensure the clarity of research findings. You will be responsible for assessing and driving societal impact initiatives related to the project. Working closely with both academic and industry stakeholders, you will contribute to translating research outcomes into practical, real-world solutions, with the potential for these solutions to be adopted by the pharmaceutical industry.

Your ultimate aim is to uncover hidden mechanisms, identifying PRRs and other receptors expressed by FDCs. Your task is to optimise stimulation protocols that target specific PRRs, selecting and refining stimuli to induce FDC activation and viability. Investigating how antigen presentation to B cells is impacted by PRR stimulation and deepening our understanding of FDCs’ role in germinal center immune activation, will be central to your work.

This position offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex world of immunology and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Are you ready to dive into this exciting challenge and help us unlock the mysteries of FDCs?

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in immunology, molecular biology, and data analysis. Besides that, you have multiple of the following qualifications:

• You hold a PhD in Immunology or a Related Field and have a proven track record of research excellence.
• You are familiar with techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry, sequencing, and cell culture.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and execute experiments.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings in both scientific papers and presentations.
• You are proficient with software for data analysis, such as R or Python, and experience with bioinformatics tools.
• You are able to work effectively in a team environment, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• You are willing and capable to bridge diverse perspectives, foster collaboration between academic and industry representatives and integrate knowledge from multiple angles to address complex societal problems.

Salary Benefits:

This is a unique opportunity to take part in a three-year postdoctoral position. This extended period offers you the chance to delve deeply into your research and contribute significantly to groundbreaking studies in FDC biology. The stability of a three-year position allows for more comprehensive projects, supporting your efforts to build a solid foundation in your research area. You will also have the flexibility and support needed to apply for grants like the NWO VENI grant during this period, which can significantly enhance your career prospects. Furthermore, we offer:

• a job for three years;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 (salary scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

36 - 40 hours per week

Universiteitsweg 99