Technician vacancy in Peeper Lab - Breaking cancer immunotherapy resistance

Project information
The Peeper lab uses functional oncogenomic and other advanced technology to combat immunotherapy resistance. The introduction of immune checkpoint antibodies and other therapies like TIL and CAR-T cells has been clinically transformative.

However, most patients fail to respond (durably), often because of upfront or acquired resistance. Several resistance mechanisms have been described, including tumor cell-intrinsic and T cell-dependent ones. To develop therapeutic solutions, it is imperative that we understand the underlying mechanisms. Here, we focus on a therapeutic strategy to break tumor cell-intrinsic immune resistance.

We have recently uncovered a critical and conserved mechanism of tumor cell-intrinsic resistance involving TNF-mediated survival signaling. By genetic screening, we discovered that ablation of TRAF2, a key TNF signal transducer sharply lowered the tumor TNF cytotoxicity threshold, thereby augmenting tumor T cell- and ICB-impact in vitro and in preclinical murine models. Furthermore, loss of TRAF2 in patient tumors increases immune sensitivity, which was independently confirmed in a large-scale genetic analysis of clinical specimens. In this project, we focus on a druggable target in this pathway that we have discovered, aiming to not only understand its mechanism of action but also to explore clinical translation.

An ambitious technician with mouse model experience.
We seek an enthusiastic and accurate animal technician. It is strictly necessary that you hold a license for working with laboratory animals (art. 6/9/12). You should also have expertise in immunology and/or molecular biology. You will be responsible for carrying out animal experiments in collaboration with researchers on this project. Furthermore, you will contribute to wet-lab experiments and some lab management tasks. Proficiency in English and good communicative skills are important requirements, as is a team player mentality.

The vacancy is available this Fall.

You will be employed for a minimum period of 2 years, with the possibility for extension. The gross salary per month can range from € 2.682,- to € 3.642,- (salary scale 45 according to the Collective Labour Agreement General Hospitals based on proven qualifications). In addition, you will receive 8,33% holiday pay and end-of-year bonus (8,33%).

For more information in regard to the secondary conditions please visit our website: https://www.nki.nl/careers-study/how-to-apply/

Located in Amsterdam, NKI is an internationally renowned institute dedicated to fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research, and the only comprehensive cancer center in The Netherlands. It is a dynamic institute accommodating over 50 research groups and many advanced core facilities, including flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics, biobank and a mouse cancer center.

For further information, please visit:
https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/daniel-peeper/.

Applications should include your CV, a motivation letter and references. Apply by the application button. 

Select reading

• Zhang et al, RNF31 inhibition sensitizes tumors to bystander killing by innate and adaptive immune cells, Cell Reports Medicine 2022
• Apriamashvili et al, Ubiquitin ligase STUB1 destabilizes IFNγ-receptor complex to suppress tumor IFNγ signaling, Nature Comm 2022
• Vredevoogd et al, The (re)discovery of tumor-intrinsic determinants of immune sensitivity by functional genetic screens, IOTech 2022
• Vredevoogd et al., Augmenting Immunotherapy Impact by Lowering Tumor TNF Cytotoxicity Threshold, Cell 2019

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.