Postdoc Computational Immunology

Job description

The immune system plays a central role in protecting the body against pathogens and detecting and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Dysregulation of the immune system can lead to a wide range of autoimmune, inflammatory and immunodeficiency disorders.
Lymph nodes are key organs of the immune system. They play a crucial role in immune cell activation and the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Despite their importance, many of the cellular and molecular processes that govern lymph node function remain poorly understood.
As a postdoc in computational immunology, you will develop a mechanistic, spatio-temporal multiscale computational model of the lymph node. You will integrate agent-based modelling with differential equation-based approaches to better understand immune responses.
This is a two-year postdoctoral position. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this research line and use computational modelling to address fundamental questions in immunology.
You will develop a mechanistic multiscale model of the lymph node, with a focus on understanding adaptive immune responses. You will work closely with principal investigators and fellow researchers at Amsterdam UMC and other institutes. You will also present and discuss your results in team meetings.
Your tasks include:

• Developing an initial model in the Julia programming language, focusing on T-cell activation at the cellular and molecular level, including cell motility and cell-cell interactions, gene regulatory and signalling networks, and chemokine gradients.
• Extending the model to include additional lymph node compartments or processes, such as the B-cell region and germinal centre dynamics, or stromal and fibroblast populations.
• Using single-cell omics and other datasets from public repositories and collaborators to define and parameterize the model.
• Ensuring that the model is well documented and accessible to other researchers by using our ENCORE framework.
• Contributing to teaching at Amsterdam UMC or the University of Amsterdam and writing a grant proposal to attract research funding and establish your own research line.

Requirements

You are a computational scientist with a strong interest in biology, immunology and single-cell omics. You combine technical expertise with analytical thinking and clear communication. You are an ambitious researcher who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment and taking the lead in developing a research project.
You bring:

• A PhD in computational science or a related field and experience in a previous postdoctoral research position.
• Experience with agent-based modelling and differential equations.
• Strong programming skills in Julia or Python and experience with tools such as Git, Visual Studio Code and CoPilot or Claude Code.
• Strong communication, presentation and scientific writing skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of English, both spoken and written.

Knowledge or experience with R, immunology and single-cell omics is an advantage.

Employer

You will join the bioinformatics group within the department of Epidemiology and Data Science at Amsterdam UMC. The group develops bioinformatics methods for analysing single-cell and spatial omics data and computational multiscale models of biological systems, with a main focus on immunology and cancer.
You will work closely with immunologists at Amsterdam UMC and other institutes. The interdisciplinary nature of the group brings together computational and biological expertise to address complex research questions.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the video to find out more.

Additional information

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact prof. dr. Antoine van Kampen, at a.h.vankampen@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.