Postdoc broad-reactive immunity for pandemic preparedness

Functie­omschrijving

Are you an ambitious (pre)clinical immunologist in the field of infectious diseases, eager to contribute to better pandemic preparedness? This is your opportunity to make a difference!

At our Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinations (IIV), we conduct groundbreaking research into immune responses to vaccinations and infections with the goal of enhancing disease protection. As part of an innovative pandemic preparedness program, we are exploring broadly reactive immunity to potential pandemic viruses, such as poxviruses, influenza viruses and coronaviruses. Join our team to help make the world healthier and safer!

What will you do

You will be involved in a project investigating broadly reactive (cellular) immunity to poxviruses and influenza viruses. This will include studying the presence and characteristics of broadly reactive immune responses in a clinical Mpox vaccine study. Additionally, you will co-design, organize, and conduct preclinical immunity and challenge studies focused on investigating broadly reactive pox vaccines. You will also compile and analyze existing data from preclinical influenza vaccine studies, synthesizing manuscripts for publication. You will have access to state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing and flow cytometry facilities.

Furthermore, your role will involve:

• Collaborating with and instructing a team of technicians, biotechnicians, and a bioinformatician;
• Performing experiments under BSL-2 conditions;
• Conducting assays to analyze virus-specific immune responses (e.g., ELISPOT, high-dimensional flow cytometry, cell sorting, Next Generation Sequencing (including RNAseq), and ELISAs), as well as performing virological assays;
• Analyzing (in collaboration with a bioinformatician) and interpreting data, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting results at the institute and at (inter)national conferences;
• Collaborating with a team of scientists focused on broadly reactive immunity to respiratory infections and working together with related projects within the IIV center.

The department

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has been at the forefront of protecting public health and consumer safety for over a hundred years. RIVM is a knowledge institute that plays a vital role in society, carrying out independent research and providing trusted policy advice to the government regarding health and environmental issues. We address a wide range of topics, including infectious diseases, vaccinations, population studies, lifestyle, nutrition, drugs, the environment, sustainability, and safety. This work is carried out through research, advice, and implementation, with numerous reports published annually.

The Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IIV) at RIVM serves as the government's knowledge center in the field of immunology of infectious diseases and vaccines. The core mission of IIV is to provide information and advice on vaccine effectiveness, vaccination strategies, and immune responses to infectious diseases, supporting government policy and informing the public. Research at IIV focuses on optimizing the effectiveness and safety of current and future vaccination programs, immunosurveillance, age-related efficacy of immune responses, and identifying correlates of protection. The center collaborates intensively with other RIVM knowledge centers and national and international partners specializing in immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, and outbreak control of infectious diseases.

Within IIV, the Department of Immune Mechanisms - Immunological Models (IIM) employs immunological models to support the core mission of IIV.

Unique to this job

We are an international, dynamic, and highly motivated team of scientists at various stages of our careers, united by a strong drive to advance immunological research for the benefit of public health. We combine expertise in virology, immunology, and bioinformatics, and we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork.

Functie-eisen

Who you are

We are seeking an experienced immunologist with substantial preclinical research expertise in the field of immunology of infectious diseases. You are results-oriented, highly motivated, and eager to learn and tackle new challenges. You can work effectively both independently and as part of a team. You have a positive and enthusiastic attitude, showing respect toward colleagues and collaborators, and actively participating in scientific discussions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. You understand that our research addresses public health questions, and you are able to interpret results accordingly.

Furthermore, you have:

• A PhD in viro-immunology;
• Extensive experience with clinical and preclinical studies and immunological techniques (e.g., ELISPOT, flow cytometry);
• Experience with virological assays and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS);
• A willingness to work long hours during preclinical experiments;
• A responsible attitude and an open communication style.