PhD student position - Chemical immunology to develop synthetic immune cells | Radboud University Medical Centre

No effective therapy has been developed for metastatic melanoma during the last 30 years. We have vaccinated well over 300 melanoma patients with monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) vaccines and showed long lasting tumor specific T cell mediated responses in a significant amount of the patients. While DC vaccines have proven efficacy, a major drawback from in vitro generated dendritic cells is the expensive and labor intensive culturing for each patient. Therefore, in vivo targeting of DCs would be a more direct and cost effective approach.

In the course of an ERC project to develop novel nano-vaccines a PhD student position is available within the team developing synthetic dendritic cells. Currently we exploit isocyanide polypeptides as a backbone scaffold to which we attach immune-modulating molecules such as MHC/peptide complexes, co-stimulatory molecules and chemokines/cytokines to develop ‘synthetic immune cells’ that mimic specific functions of antigen presenting dendritic cells.

Profile

Candidates should have obtained a master’s degree in immunology or equivalent with interest in (bio)chemistry. The preferred candidate has experience in biologically produced (via recombinant DNA technology) or chemically synthesized chimeric biomolecules. Our ultimate aim is to use synthetic immune cells in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, the preferred candidate should have a strong interest in applying synthetic macromolecular complexes to answer biological questions especially in the area of immunology. Mice studies are part of the project therefore article 9 certificate is a pro. Techniques: Dendritic cell and T cell cultures, immunological techniques, flow cytometry, conjugation chemistry, recombinant DNA technology, peptide synthesis.

Organization

NCMLS

The Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences in the Netherlands is a leading European research school providing an outstanding research setting for the Radboud University Nijmegen. The NCMLS focuses on basic science and its translation into pioneering treatments in the clinic. NCMLS innovations are advanced through technology platforms such as genomics, proteomics, and molecular imaging.

Department of Tumor Immunology

Research within this department aims at a better understanding of our immune system using molecular-, cell biological- and immunological- techniques and is centred around antigen presenting dendritic cells which play an important role in regulating the immune response. An important activity of the department is the translation of basic research into clinical application. In particular, the development of novel dendritic cell based vaccines to treat cancer patients.

Comments and contact information

For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Carl Figdor, telephone +31-(0)24-3617600, E-mail Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε. (Use this E-mail address only for information. For application use the Apply button)

Application deadline is 9 October 2013.

For further information visit the website of Tumor Immunology.