Function description
Identifying tumor-reactive T cells to treat lung cancer
The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)
Located in Amsterdam, NKI is the only comprehensive cancer center in The Netherlands. It is a well-organized and dynamic institute accommodating over 50 research groups and many advanced core facilities. It is an internationally renowned center dedicated to fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research.
Project information
The Peeper lab uses functional oncogenomic and other advanced technology to combat immunotherapy resistance. Immunotherapies, like T cell therapies, have revolutionized cancer treatment, significantly improving clinical outcomes. They exploit the antitumor activity of cytotoxic T cells to improve cancer elimination, and include tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and T cell receptor (TCR) therapies. However, both also still have critical limitations, particularly to easily and quickly identify and enrich for tumor-specific, active T cells and the need to use complex, imperfect and long protocols to obtain the final therapeutic product.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with only limited immunotherapy benefit. In close collaborations with lung oncologists in our hospital, we aim to screen for lung cancer-reactive T cells. Recently, we discovered a new biomarker that can be used to identify antitumor T cells. In this project, we aim to characterize this interesting population of T cells using multiomics and animal models, and translate our findings to the clinic.
The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)
Located in Amsterdam, NKI is the only comprehensive cancer center in The Netherlands. It is a well-organized and dynamic institute accommodating over 50 research groups and many advanced core facilities. It is an internationally renowned center dedicated to fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research.
Project information
The Peeper lab uses functional oncogenomic and other advanced technology to combat immunotherapy resistance. Immunotherapies, like T cell therapies, have revolutionized cancer treatment, significantly improving clinical outcomes. They exploit the antitumor activity of cytotoxic T cells to improve cancer elimination, and include tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and T cell receptor (TCR) therapies. However, both also still have critical limitations, particularly to easily and quickly identify and enrich for tumor-specific, active T cells and the need to use complex, imperfect and long protocols to obtain the final therapeutic product.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with only limited immunotherapy benefit. In close collaborations with lung oncologists in our hospital, we aim to screen for lung cancer-reactive T cells. Recently, we discovered a new biomarker that can be used to identify antitumor T cells. In this project, we aim to characterize this interesting population of T cells using multiomics and animal models, and translate our findings to the clinic.
Job requirements
We are seeking a highly ambitious postdoc with a strong background in immunology, experience with mouse studies, and an interest in fundamental and translational cancer research. Your responsibilities will include writing of manuscripts and grant applications. Proficiency in English and good communicative skills are important requirements, as is a team player mentality.
Compensation
The vacancy is available immediately. You will be employed for a minimum period of 2 years. The gross salary per month is € 3.270 to € 4.611 according to salary scale FWG 55, depending on your experience. The terms of employment will be in accordance with FWG 55 of the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals). In addition, you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus in December (8,33%) and in May you will receive 8,33% holiday pay. An additional 5% will be added on December 1st 2023, and another 5% on June 1st 2024.
Interested? Apply here:
For further information and addresses visit: https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/daniel-peeper/. Applications can be submitted via the apply button and should include your CV, a motivation letter and the contact information of your references (in your letter of interest).
The NKI values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that stimulates the best in each individual. Applications of all individuals are welcomed regardless of age, ancestry, religion, disability, distance from the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Select reading
- Kenski et al, An adverse tumor-protective effect of IDO1 inhibition, Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- Zhang et al, RNF31 inhibition sensitizes tumors to bystander killing by innate and adaptive immune cells, Cell Reports Medicine 2022
- Boshuizen et al., Rational Cancer Treatment Combinations: An Urgent Clinical Need, Mol Cell 2020
- Boshuizen et al., Reversal of pre-existing NGFR-driven tumor and immune therapy resistance, Nature
Comm 2020
- Vredevoogd et al., Augmenting Immunotherapy Impact by Lowering Tumor TNF Cytotoxicity Threshold, Cell 2019
Interested? Apply here:
For further information and addresses visit: https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/daniel-peeper/. Applications can be submitted via the apply button and should include your CV, a motivation letter and the contact information of your references (in your letter of interest).
The NKI values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that stimulates the best in each individual. Applications of all individuals are welcomed regardless of age, ancestry, religion, disability, distance from the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Select reading
- Kenski et al, An adverse tumor-protective effect of IDO1 inhibition, Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- Zhang et al, RNF31 inhibition sensitizes tumors to bystander killing by innate and adaptive immune cells, Cell Reports Medicine 2022
- Boshuizen et al., Rational Cancer Treatment Combinations: An Urgent Clinical Need, Mol Cell 2020
- Boshuizen et al., Reversal of pre-existing NGFR-driven tumor and immune therapy resistance, Nature
Comm 2020
- Vredevoogd et al., Augmenting Immunotherapy Impact by Lowering Tumor TNF Cytotoxicity Threshold, Cell 2019
Details
- Hours per week: 36
- Salary level: FWG 55
Mylene van der Velden
