diseases
We are accepting applications from enthusiastic candidates who are fascinated by applying and developing single cell technologies, to have an impact on decoding auto-immune diseases and interested in working in a dynamic, stimulating and ambitious environment to perform their PhD.
Position
PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship
Yes
Department(s)
Biomedical Engineering
FTE
1,0
Date off
30/01/2023
Reference number
V50.6160
Job descriptionCommunication is of vital importance for life, from the smallest molecule to the largest system in our body, in protecting us against pathogens. In our immune system type I interferons play an important role in communication between cells. However, when this process is dysregulated it leads to autoimmune diseases. Given the pivotal roles of IFN-Is it is intriguing that only very small fractions ~1-5% of cells, also referred to first responders, start producing IFN-I upon infection, both in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, which turn out crucial in driving population-wide IFN-I dynamics. Remarkably, how fractions of first responders arise during cellular decision-making, coordinate IFN-I dynamics through 2nd and non-responders and how its implicated in autoimmune diseases is yet far from understood. This multidisciplinary project will develop new technology and yield the unique opportunity to unravel the regulation of type I interferons, which ultimately will have a great impact in battling auto-immune diseases.
In this project you will, together with the team, focus on unravelling cellular heterogeneity, specifically how individually cells ignite systemic type I interferon mediated responses. Moreover, you will examine how these responses differ between healthy cells and cells obtained from patients suffering from auto-immune diseases (in close collaboration with the Regional Rheuma Center – hospital MMC). Despite advances in single cell technologies, understanding the role of heterogeneity in immune cell populations, remains poorly understood. By exploiting cutting edge droplet-based microfluidic technology and single cell RNA and ATAC sequencing, you will investigate the mode of type I interferon secretion and temporally decipher its signalling dynamics.
The Immunoengineering group is a young, vibrant and international group at the TU/e that strives to make an impact on healthcare by an improved understanding on immune cell function and communication. We focus on developing and exploiting advances in single cell technologies, e.g. droplet- and valve-based microfluidics, microscopy, flow cytometry, single cell RNA sequencing to probe heterogeneity in immune cell populations and to study cellular communication on the single or few cell level in health and disease. The group is embedded in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems and has access to state-of-the-art technologies and excellent infrastructure.
Job requirementsA meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Jurjen Tel, Associate Professor, j.telattue.nl or +31 40 2472950.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Sascha Sanchez, HR advisor, s.j.m.g.sanchezvan.oortattue.nl or +31 40 247 73 10.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.