PhD candidate molecular detection of MBL

Job description

This vacancy is for a PhD position on a project funded by the national institute of health (NIH) focused on the molecular detection of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). The project is a collaboration with MBL experts from Mayo Clinic Rochester (Dr. Susan Slager) and Stanford University (Dr. Tait Shanafelt). 

MBL is a precursor state to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affecting up to 5-10% of adults over age 40. MBL is currently identified through flow cytometry. The reliance on viable blood cells limits our ability to perform MBL screening in large existing cohorts. Identifying a molecular approach for MBL screening would allow to study the health implications of this pervasive condition at scale. 

At Erasmus MC, we will compare two molecular approaches for the detection of MBL (immunogenetics and proteomics) to the gold standard, flow cytometry. The PhD student will be primarily responsible for sequencing of the B-cell receptor repertoire of ~3000 participants in the Mayo Clinic Biobank, as well as for the data analysis of the immunogenetics and proteomics datasets. 
The PhD student will have the opportunity to contribute to our successful research line focused on the early development of lymphoid malignancies. 

In this PhD project, “Molecular detection of MBL and enhanced risk stratification through immunogenetic and proteomic profiling", you will:

• Apply advanced statistical methods to identify and validate molecular markers for monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis;
• Compare molecular methods for MBL detection to the gold standard, flow cytometry;
• Integrate your findings with single-cell sequencing data, as well as genetic risk factors for lymphoid malignancies;
• Collaborate closely with the other PhD students in our research group and our international partners in the US;
• Disseminate your results through scientific publications and international conferences.

Work environment

The Laboratory for Medical Immunology (LMI) is part of the the department of Immunology at the Erasmus MC and consists of 5 medical immunologists, around 40 technicians and a selection of scientists and supportive staff. The LMI delivers expert immunological diagnostics to the patients at the Erasmus MC and elsewhere in the Netherlands through coninuous innovation building on translational and fundamental research projects.  

The LMI is a tight-nit and enthusiastic team that functions as a network for efficient collaboration with other departments and institutes, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Collaborative projects provide a basis for interaction between research and patient care. Beyond that, we teach and train the next generation of medical personnel. 

You will join the Molecular Immunodiagnostics group (MID) led by Prof. Anton W. Langerak (promotor), medical immunologist. Your daily supervisor and co-promotor will be Dr. Martijn Kolijn, a molecular epidemiologist with a focus on cancer development. The group currently consists of one assistant professor, 3 other PhD students and 7 technicians. 

Qualifications and skills

You are a motivated and curious researcher who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary and international environment.

• Master’s degree in Immunology, Hematology, Oncology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with molecular laboratory work (PCR, ELISA, etc.).
• Experience with statistical programming in R, Python, or similar.
• Experience and/or interest in cancer research.
• Experience with the analysis of high-throughput molecular data, such as genetics, proteomics, and single-cell sequencing data, is not a prerequisite but highly valued.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3.217,- in the 1st year and it gradually increases to € 4.077,- in the 4th year (scale OIO) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours. 
  A salary increase of 3.5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to Ton Langerak, Medical Immunologist and Coordinator, via phone.

No agencies please.