About PHARMIgA
Most therapeutic antibodies currently used to treat disease are based on a single antibody class: IgG. While highly effective in the bloodstream, IgG antibodies are often less effective at mucosal surfaces such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These tissues are central to major unmet medical needs, including respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases, and several forms of cancer.
In contrast, IgA antibodies are naturally abundant at mucosal surfaces, where they play a key role in immune defense. IgA can efficiently neutralize pathogens and engage immune cells through mechanisms distinct from IgG. Despite their therapeutic potential, very few IgA-based therapeutics have reached the clinic. Development remains technically challenging due to complex production processes, limited scalable manufacturing methods, and the lack of standardized models and infrastructure.
PHARMIgA was established to address these challenges by bringing together expertise, technologies, and facilities within a single collaborative network. Rather than focusing on one specific therapeutic candidate, the consortium aims to develop a comprehensive platform and toolbox that will accelerate the discovery, production, and translation of IgA-based therapeutics.
The consortium combines expertise from Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht, in collaboration with Sanquin and PD-Value, as well as partners across the Utrecht Science Park and industrial collaborators from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nutrition sectors.
The Role
In this hands-on laboratory position, you will work closely with the postdoctoral researcher and consortium partners on the production, purification, characterization, and optimization of IgA antibodies. You will contribute directly to the day-to-day execution of experiments and help establish robust workflows for generating and analyzing different IgA formats.
Responsibilities
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Perform recombinant antibody expression and purification experiments
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Support the development and optimization of production workflows for different IgA formats
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Perform molecular biology, cell culture, protein production, and biochemical assays
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Assist with antibody characterization and quality control analyses
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Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to data analysis and reporting
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Work closely with the supervising team to execute experimental plans and troubleshoot workflows
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Contribute to maintaining laboratory organization, equipment, and safety standards
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Participate in consortium meetings and communicate experimental progress with team members
