"Internship/Master project: Advanced Microscopy of Basal Inhibitory Signaling"

Job Summary

Visualizing Basal Inhibitory Signaling in T Cells Using Advanced Microscopy. This project investigates how inhibitory immune receptors like PD-1 suppress T cell activation and explores the effects of novel therapeutic molecules called RIPR molecules. The goal is to understand basal PD-1 signaling, which may explain why some cancer patients do not respond to current therapies, potentially guiding the development of more effective treatments.

Responsibilities

• Reconstitute TCR and PD-1 signaling of cells on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) functionalized with pMHC and PD-L1.
• Measure Zap70 and SHP2 activity using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.
• Compare how RIPR molecules suppress PD-1 activity and restore TCR signaling.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in (bio)physics, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Nationality of an EU-member state and/or student at a Netherlands University.
• The internship must be a mandatory part of your curriculum.
• Available for at least 6 months, with longer periods preferred.

What the Employer Offers

• Preparation of functionalized supported lipid bilayers (SLBs).
• Use of TIRF and single-molecule microscopy to study protein dynamics.
• Quantitative analysis of spatiotemporal signaling patterns.
• Insight into the biophysics of immune regulation and therapeutic design.
• Work in a supportive research group at AMOLF, with access to advanced technical resources and a collaborative environment.