Postdoc – Cell Biology, Antibody Engineering, Cancer Research

About your role

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on selectively inhibiting TGF-β receptor signaling in a cell-type-specific manner. In this way, we aim to inhibit the pro-tumorigenic effects of TGF-β while preserving its physiological roles in normal cells. This innovative research line is inspired by our work on parasites that secrete TGF-β mimics and antagonists which, in contrast to mammalian TGF-β, act in a cell-selective manner by binding to specific co-receptors. You will utilize advanced protein engineering to discover and optimize antibody-based therapeutics and apply protein structure prediction and molecular modeling techniques to guide antibody design and optimization. You will work closely with experts in molecular biology and cellular biochemistry, using state-of-the-art technologies and in vitro and animal models.

Your core tasks are:

• Designing and purifying bispecific antibodies with properties aimed at cell-specific targeting.
• Applying biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological methods to study protein-protein interactions and cellular behavior.
• Using deep learning models, such as AlphaFold, to predict antibody-antigen and protein-protein interactions.
• Collaborating closely with experts in structural biology and computer-aided models for antibody design.
• Publishing research results and presenting at international meetings.

In addition, you will actively participate in group and departmental meetings and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI-driven antibody technology.

About your workplace

You will work at the Chemical Signaling group led by Prof. Peter ten Dijke. Our group is a world leader in cancer cell signaling. This group is part of the Cell and Chemical Biology Department, which has state-of-the-art infrastructure in molecular and cell biology, organic and biochemistry, biophysics, and xenograft animal models to perform high-quality research with high biomedical impact. Researchers have access to various LUMC research facilities, including genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, live cell imaging, and facilities for working with mouse and zebrafish animals, as well as protein chemistry.

About you

You are motivated, take responsibility for your work, and can work both independently and as part of a team. You communicate clearly, contribute proactively to scientific collaborations, and thrive in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments.

Further, you have:

• A PhD in life sciences, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences and/or cell biology, with knowledge of signal transduction and bioinformatic analysis (experience with statistical programming in R and Python).
• Skills in protein engineering to enhance protein binding affinity and function.
• Experience using deep learning models (e.g., AlphaFold and RosettaFold) for predicting protein-protein interactions are considered an advantage.
• Good command of English, both spoken and written.

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have a workforce that is a good reflection of society. We are committed to the highest quality in health care, education and (international) research, in which diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people, but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to be a creative and inspiring place to work, where everyone feels at home, safe and valued. It's all about who you are and what you bring to contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work toward a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.  

More information

• As a postdoc, your salary will be between € 3,598 and € 5,669 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.
• The procedure involves several stages, including two rounds of interviews. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.