PhD vacancy: Targeting immunometabolism in tumour-associated macrophages

Your work environment Within the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology at VU University Medical Center (VUmc, Amsterdam), our group studies the metabolic characteristics and requirements of macrophages. This project incorporates fundamental research questions as well as translational applications in in vivo models, human in vitro models and analysis of glioblastoma patient material with the ultimate goal to translate our findings to the clinic. You will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, cancer and cardiovascular disease. This CCA (Cancer Center Amsterdam) project will be performed in close collaboration with Dr. J. J. Garcia Vallejo and Prof. Y. van Kooyk.

Your challenge

The successful candidate will study the immunometabolic alterations in human tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and will address the importance of this process with both in vitro tools and in vivo mouse cancer models.

As a junior researcher, your main tasks and responsibilities are:
• Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics data to define immunometabolic circuits in macrophages.
• Identifying new metabolic regulators that control macrophage function
• Validating new targets in mouse models of cancer
• You will use state-of-the-art high-dimensional cytometry techniques, RNA-sequencing, metabolomics, and will apply bioinformatics to analyze the data.

requirements		Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with: • A Master’s degree in a field related to biomedical sciences, (medical) biology, biochemistry or bioinformatics • Affinity for immunology, metabolism and cancer. • Interest in high-dimensional and single-cell technologies and pushing the boundaries of research through technology-driven applications. • Experience with animal experiments (article 9 qualified), high-dimensional data analysis and biostatistics is a plus. • Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
salary		2244 to 2874 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and
job type		PhD
start		01-06-2018
end
organisation		VU University Medical Center
department		Moleculer Cell Biology and Immunology
location		Amsterdam
contact		You can apply until 24 April 2018 via: https://www.werkenbijvumc.nl/vacatures/phd-student-targeting-immunometabolism-in-tumour-associated-macrophages/ If you need further information regarding the project and the position, you can contact dr. ir. Jan Van den Bossche (j.vandenbossche@vumc.nl)
organization profile		Research within the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology is performed in the vibrant environment of the O\|2 Lab Building (www.o2labbuilding.com) and at an international high competitive level. The department consists of several research groups that study cellular and molecular interactions in health and disease. The new research group “Translational Macrophage Immunometabolism” aims to identify metabolic characteristics of macrophages that drive disease progression. Our ultimate goal is to discover new metabolic targets for treatment and biomarkers for diagnosis. Relevant publications: Van den Bossche J, Baardman J, Otto NA, van der Velden S, Neele AE, van den Berg SM, Luque-Martin R, Chen HJ, Boshuizen MC, Ahmed M, Hoeksema MA, de Vos AF, de Winther MP. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Prevents Repolarization of Inflammatory Macrophages. Cell Reports. 2016 Oct 11;17(3):684-696. Van den Bossche J, O’Neill LA, Menon D. Macrophage Immunometabolism; Where Are We (Going)? Trends in Immunology, 2017 Jun;38(6):395-406.