Vacature PhD positions Immunogenetics

PhD positions Immunogenetics in Groningen

Education: WO

Hours: 36 hours a week

Salary: € 3.217 - € 4.077

Closing date: October 26

Job description

To delineate the effects of genetic and environmental factors on celiac disease (CeD) onset and progression prioritized in our current research, we seek to expand our current model systems to improve their physiological relevance by including mucosal immunological or microbiome components. These patient-derived models aim to provide insight into disease-specific barrier functions and interactions with intestinal lymphocytes, as well as viral or bacterial involvement in disease pathways.

Our team has strong expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering in ASC and/or iPSC-derived organoid and intestine-on-chip models, as well as in intestinal tissue-resident lymphocytes. Many of the analyses will focus on Next Generation Sequencing-based techniques to reveal the consequences of genetic, immunological, or microbial interventions. The research in the Immunogenetics lab is also relevant for related immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), making it of broad interest to the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry.

The Immunogenetics team is looking for two highly motivated colleagues interested in studying the roles of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors in immune-mediated diseases, with a focus on celiac disease (CeD).

Working environment

The Immunogenetics lab, led by Profs. Iris Jonkers and Sebo Withoff, investigates the genetic basis of complex immune-mediated diseases, with a special focus on CeD. The lab applies genomics approaches such as (single cell)RNA sequencing, ATACseq, metagenomics, and other advanced techniques to uncover alterations in CeD-related functional pathways. Due to the complexity of CeD genetics and the limitations of animal models, we have developed human model systems for the small intestine based on induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or biopsy-derived adult stem cells (ASCs) from patients and healthy controls. We also conduct population studies to assess the prevalence and characteristics of CeD in the Northern Netherlands. The Immunogenetics lab is part of the Department of Genetics at UMCG, conducting research in a state-of-the-art laboratory and open-office environment, and collaborating closely within the department and externally. PhD students, postdocs, and technicians will be involved in the assessment committee for these positions.

What do we need

We are looking for recently graduated MSc students with a background in Molecular Biology, Immunology, or Biomedical Sciences who are passionate about science. Candidates must be enthusiastic, ambitious, curious, and intrinsically driven to obtain a PhD. The Immunogenetics group is highly interdisciplinary and international. Excellent English writing and presentation skills are essential. Our research involves immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, with frequent collaboration between team members with different skills. Candidates should be true team players with strong communication skills. An ideal candidate has demonstrated background or specialization in molecular biology, immunology, and/or microbiology and an interest in data analysis.

UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy and can provide vaccination if required for the position. For specific professions, a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ may be required.

What do we offer

We offer a temporary contract (36 hours a week) for 4 years. The salary ranges from a minimum of € 3.217 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 4.077 gross per month (scale PRO) in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment. Additionally, UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

For questions about the position

Any questions? Do contact us.