Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), represent one of the greatest challenges in healthcare. While current medications cannot cure RA, they can help alleviate symptoms. However, many patients do not respond adequately to available treatments or experience severe side effects. Personalized medical therapies offer a promising solution, but their development requires a deeper understanding of how RA originates.

Genetic factors play a key role in the development of RA, with variation in the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II gene identified as the most significant genetic risk factor. Despite this, we still do not fully understand how HLA class II variation contributes to the onset of RA. HLA class II is crucial for regulating immune responses by presenting antigens to the immune system. While HLA class II is expressed on many cell types, the level of expression can vary.

Our research focuses on understanding the role and function of HLA class II in autoimmune diseases, including RA. As part of this project, we aim to write an English-language review summarizing the current knowledge on HLA class II and its involvement in RA.

As a student assistant, you will assist with the literature search, organizing published findings, creating visually clear figures, and contributing to drafting the text. This is an excellent opportunity to gain writing and research experience alongside your studies, and it may even lead to a co-authored publication, which would be an impressive addition to your CV.

This position is available immediately and requires a commitment of 6-16 hours per week for a period of four months. Working hours are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your study schedule.

• You are a biomedical student.
• You have excellent English writing skills.
• You possess strong organizational skills to effectively structure findings.
• You are available immediately for a minimum of 6-16 hours per week for a period of four months.
• Experience with reference management tools such as EndNote is a plus.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed on-call as a research assistant by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• We offer an on-call contract for the position of research assistant with classification in salary scale 4.0: € 16.50 gross per hour (6-16 hours/week, maximum 4 months).

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Amsterdam UMC

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.

You will work at the department of clinical immunology and rheumatology of Amsterdam UMC. This department focuses on translational research in autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. The mission of this department is to unravel the (epi)genetic, molecular and cellular causes of these diseases and to translate this knowledge into clinical applications, such as new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and new treatments. For this specific project, you can work from home, with the preference that progress is regularly discussed on location. If desired, these meetings can also take place via TEAMS.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely. Please send us your cv, motivation letter and availability by hitting the 'Apply now' button.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Miranda Houtman, via m.houtman@amsterdamumc.nl and/or Dr. Lisa van Baarsen, via e.g.vanbaarsen@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test 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 is not appreciated.