Research Technician Tumor Immunology

While checkpoint therapy was a tremendous leap forward for the treatment of cancer, many patients do not respond and/or are not eligible for this type of treatment. In previous computational studies, we found that some proteins that span the membrane multiple times contain inhibitory signaling motifs. In this project, we will test whether a subset of these receptors, expressed by T cells and/or macrophages, indeed suppress anti-tumor activity of these cells.

You'll be responsible for performing experiments with primary human T cells and macrophages. You'll use CRISPR to make genetic KO of target proteins, validate CRISPR efficiency and perform experiments to address the effect of the KO on anti-tumor effectivity of T cells/macrophages.

You will part of the Inhibitory Receptor Lab that is led by Prof. Linde Meyaard and Dr. Michiel van der Vlist. The Inhibitory Receptor Lab is situated in the Center for Translational Immunology in the UMC Utrecht and is part of the Oncode Institute for cancer research. At the Center for Translational Immunology, approximately 200 people study immune responses in all their facets.

The mission of our laboratory is to use the full potential of inhibitory receptors to cure inflammatory disease and cancer. We aim to be a world-leading inhibitory receptor laboratory that unveils immunological concepts and biological mechanisms of inhibitory receptors to develop therapeutics. We maximize translation of our research with advanced in vitro models when suitable, in vivo models where needed, and inclusion of primary human patient samples in these models. We maximize valorization by obtaining public and private funding, and we train future generations of immunologist with diverse career paths.

We strongly value ‘team science’ where group members help each other, so that the team goal surpasses the individual goals. We value a combination of disciplines in our team. We embrace diversity and cherish uniqueness of every individual. We are kind to the person, but tough on the data.

Prerequisite:

• You have a HLO (Hoger Laboratoriumonderwijs), or equivalent.
• You have experience with T-cells and/or macrophages and tumor killings assays.
• You have experience with CRISPR of primary T cells and/or macrophages.
• You are work-proficient in English.
• You could start before januari 1st 2026.

• A salary between € 3064 - € 4340 gross per month (salary scale 7M), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.