About this role
Do you want to uncover how the immune system and metabolism interact to prevent chronic diseases? Join a multidisciplinary research team and help develop the next generation of biomarkers for personalized prevention. Within the Proteomics Core Resource at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, we are looking for a PhD candidate to join the recently funded NWA-ORC project META-IMMUNOTYPES – Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome affects up to 40% of the population and substantially increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. Despite its prevalence, many biological mechanisms underlying disease development remain poorly understood. The META-IMMUNOTYPES consortium investigates how the immune system and metabolism interact in metabolic syndrome and related conditions. By combining advanced technologies with simple blood tests, the project aims to identify early biological warning signals before symptoms develop. Ultimately, the consortium seeks to enable timely lifestyle interventions that help prevent chronic disease rather than treat it. As a PhD candidate, you will become part of a multidisciplinary network of researchers within the departments of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology and Pathology at Amsterdam UMC. Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page. You will investigate how lifestyle factors and biological diversity influence the plasma proteome and blood cell components, including extracellular vesicles and immune cell subsets. Your research contributes to a large longitudinal lifestyle intervention study involving clinicians, translational researchers and data scientists. Working closely with a postdoctoral researcher and experts from multiple disciplines, you will integrate proteomics with other advanced molecular datasets to identify novel biomarkers fo disease prevention. Your responsibilities include: designing and conducting proteomics experiments within the META-IMMUNOTYPES project; analysing plasma proteomics together with immune monitoring, metabolomics and flow cytometry datasets; developing innovative data models in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher and other consortium partners; identifying biomarker candidates for next-generation miniaturized screening assays; presenting your findings at scientific conferences and publishing in international peer-reviewed journals. You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher who enjoys working at the interface of molecular biology, proteomics and translational medicine. You thrive in a collaborative research environment and are eager to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions. You also have: a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, biomolecular sciences or a related discipline; candidates who are close to completing their degree are also encouraged to apply; a strong background in proteomics, immunology, immunometabolism or a closely related research field; experience with protein biochemistry techniques and an interest in omics data analysis, bioinformatics and biostatistics; the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams; excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV. A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy. Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here. Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours. 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage