Postdoc: respiratory tract infections (English)

As a postdoc at RIVM you will have the unique opportunity to shape a translational research line that directly impacts public health. With the autonomy to outline this innovative project you will be focusing on a novel area: the effects of epithelial ageing on respiratory infections. By expanding your own biobank and working with advanced human models, you will gain deep, mechanism-based insights that are crucial for understanding mechanisms of infection and support policies to prevent infections, amongst others by next-generation mucosal vaccines.

Postdoc: respiratory tract infections (English)

At RIVM in Bilthoven, this role focuses on research into mucosal immunity to bacterial infections in the respiratory tract.

Dit ga je doen

Research into mucosal immunity to bacterial infections in the respiratory tract

Despite vaccinations and other preventive measures, bacterial infections of the respiratory tract remain a major source of morbidity and mortality. Vaccines mostly fail to induce (lasting) mucosal immunity in the upper airways. Also, our understanding of local immune responses to many pathogens is incomplete, especially in humans. For this reason, the Centre for Immunology of Infectious diseases and Vaccines of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) investigates mucosal immunity to infectious diseases as part of its task to investigate how the general population can be protected against disease from infectious microorganisms.

To understand host-microbe interactions and the role of vaccines in protecting against infections, we investigate how epithelial cells from the upper airways respond to infection. We recently observed that microbial reproduction (streptococci and meningococci) as well as secreted cytokines vary considerably depending on which epithelial cells and donors were selected. In this project we want to investigate the hypothesis that individual diversity, including ageing, in epithelial cell biology and ensuing host responses to infection may help explain how colonization may progress to invasive infection.

The epithelial cells do not act alone, and therefore we need to develop a better understanding of cross talk between epithelial cells and immune cells in responses to bacterial infections in the respiratory tract. Secondly, various studies demonstrate that mucosal antibodies associate with protection, but the mechanism of antibody-mediated protection at the mucosal surface is largely unknown and probably differs between pathogen species or even strains. We would like to bring the epithelial models towards translational research to understand how vaccines and natural immunity may protect against infection.

Your responsibilities

• You will sustain respiratory epithelial cell biology conceptually and expand the existing epithelial cell biobank.
• You will further define specific research questions and perform infection experiments.
• Infection studies will, amongst other things, incorporate the role of antibodies induced following infection or vaccination, and epithelial cell–immune cell crosstalk.
• Depending on the specific research question, biologically relevant environmental factors, such as cytokines, could be used as co-stimuli.
• Readouts could vary from gene expression analyses, cytokine and chemokine measurements in supernatants, and live confocal microscopy to cell migration and bacterial killing assays.
• You will process the results and design follow-up research.
• You will present your findings in team presentations and at conferences and report the findings in peer-reviewed publications.

In this role, you'll have the unique opportunity to further develop your scientific independence while delving into the mechanisms of mucosal protection against bacterial infections. You will have the freedom to further outline the project, guide the content of the research line, and leverage your human skills.

Department

Your appointment will be at the Immunosurveillance (IMS) department of the Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IIV). Our department is internationally recognized for expertise in serosurveillance. In addition to serosurveillance, we investigate the development and characteristics of cellular immunity in the population and following vaccination. IMS currently consists of the department head, three senior researchers, three postdocs, five PhD students and twelve laboratory technicians. We collaborate with other researchers of the IIV department and university medical centers based on scientific and technological expertise.

You will be part of the mucosal immunity research team consisting of a senior researcher, data scientist, three PhD students and part-time technician support. In addition to bi-weekly team meetings, with an informal atmosphere (and chocolate), ad hoc meetings to discuss specifics of the project or brainstorm about next steps or future plans are welcomed. Within the team and the department, colleagues are happy to help and share their expertise.

Dit krijg je

• Temporary employment contract
• 2 years, with possible extension for 1 year

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individueel Keuzebudget (IKB). The IKB consists of money (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB, you can make choices that suit you and tailor part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, you can choose to have part of your monthly income paid out when you want. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa or spend it on tax-friendly purposes.

The Dutch government attaches great importance to personal growth and career development and offers many opportunities for this. Secondary employment benefits include various study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs and partially paid parental leave.

Dit vragen wij

Job requirements

As a dedicated researcher, you naturally take the initiative to conceptually develop, execute, and independently bring research projects to a successful conclusion. While maintaining a clear high-level overview, you foster an open, convincing, and collaborative environment within the team. You are highly approachable for fellow scientists and proactively reach out to others to build strong connections.

Furthermore you have:

• A background in (mucosal) immunology, cell biology or infectious diseases research;
• A PhD (graduated, or thesis approved) in a field related to this position;
• Experience in primary cell culture techniques. Experience with epithelial biology or confocal microscopy is a plus;
• A proven track record in science through research output.

Hier kom je te werken

Over RIVM

As the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), we are an expert, reliable and independent advisor to government, professionals and citizens. Our goal is a healthy population and a sustainable, safe and healthy living environment. We monitor health, diseases, the quality of the living environment and the environment itself. To do this, we conduct research and gather knowledge for accessible information and practical advice.

RIVM is responsible for high-quality newborn screening, combating infectious diseases, and plays a central role in the National Immunisation Programme and population screening programmes. We investigate what is needed for good care, a healthy lifestyle, safe products and a safe and healthy living environment. We also contribute to preventing, combating and managing incidents and crises.