PostDoc to discover and characterize new inhibitory receptors in autoimmunity

Organisation/Company University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) Research Field Biological sciences » Biodiversity Biological sciences » Biology Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 25 Aug 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

We invite highly motived Post Doc with experience in cellular immunology and an interest in academic-industry collaborations to apply.

This is an industry funded Post Doc position set for intensive collaboration between the Inhibitory Receptor Lab and an industrial partner.

Blockade of Inhibitory receptors have revolutionized cancer treatment by unleashing immune responses to cancer. The reverse strategy can potentially be used in autoimmunity to suppress unwanted inflammatory responses by engaging inhibitory receptors on immune cells. The first clinical studies show proof-of-concept, but in addition highlight the need to further improve these therapies.

We previously computationally identified ~400 putative inhibitory receptors encoded in the human genome. In collaboration with an industrial partner, we will short-list putative inhibitory receptors for functional characterization. You will perform cellular assays to detail the expression and function of these candidates using CRISCR/Cas9 in primary human cells. Based on these results, we will make a ‘deep dive’ into a select set of candidates on immune cells of controls and patients with autoimmune diseases.

You will be responsible for developing and conducting research at the UMCU, the communication between partners, and reporting to the industrial partner.

• Intrinsic interest and motivation for early-stage therapeutic development.
• Experience in cell culture and flow cytometry-based assays.
• Experience in primary human cell culture

Preferred skill:

• Affinity with immunology.
• Experience with assay design and trouble shooting.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.724,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).