PhD-candidate MS-based Antibody Characterization in Autoimmune Diseases, Leiden

Job number : D.21.MH.MR.04

Closing date: 07-03-2021

The position

We are looking for a PhD candidate for a research project focused on the development and application of mass spectrometry (MS) in combination with separation techniques for the structural and functional characterization of antibodies in autoimmune diseases. Are you the candidate we are looking for?

In this multidisciplinary PhD project we aim to develop high resolution mass spectrometry-based methods in combination with separation techniques for the comprehensive characterization of disease-associated antibodies. You will work with high-resolution MS and apply intact, top-down and middle-up/down approaches. You will also develop affinity approaches (e.g. affinity capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry) to study the differential binding of antibody proteoforms to key receptors. You will apply the techniques to study autoantibodies from patient samples of three autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis) to understand their pathogenicity and find new disease biomarkers.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic colleague who:

●        Holds a MSc degree in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical science or a biomedical field;

●        Has some experience with analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis preferably for protein analysis;’

●        Has good technical skills

●        Has an interest and background in protein biochemistry and bioanalytical method development;

●        Has a fascination for clinically relevant analysis in the field of immunology;

●        Is fluent in English, likes to work in a team, and has good communication and writing skills.

What we offer

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. You will be appointed for the duration of four years. Your salary is a maximum of € 2,495 in the first year, amounting to a maximum of € 3,196 in the final year (scale Pro, Collective Labour Agreement University Medical Centers).

Working at the LUMC

The LUMC, situated in Leiden, the Netherlands, is an academic medical centre for patient care, research and education, aiming to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s health care. It has a strong focus on research, connecting and combining fundamental research into disease-causing mechanisms with patient-focussed studies in areas like oncology, regenerative medicine and population health. The LUMC has research facilities that include capabilities for multiple appliances. The combination with clinical and societal outreach programmes allows for ground-breaking research and innovation in basic and applied science.

You will work at the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM) under supervision of Dr. Dominguez Vega. The CPM is a highly international department developing and providing key analytical technology to enable innovative clinical and basic biomedical research within the LUMC. The project is in close collaboration with the departments of Nephrology and Rheumatology including clinician scientists (Dr. Onno Teng and Dr. Margreet Steup-Bekman) and immunologists (Prof. Rene Toes). The LUMC has been recognized as a centre of excellence for immunology and autoimmune diseases.

More information

A detailed job description can be found at www.lumc.nl / vacancies. You may also contact Elena Domínguez Vega, Principal Investigator, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics

Telephone: +31 (0)71 526 69 98

[Email Address Removed]

How to apply

Please apply through our online form at www.lumc.nl/vacancies.