PhD candidate develop innovative RNA therapies for monogenic epilepsies | Utrecht | UMC Utrecht (2024)

Dit ga je doen

Join our dynamic team of PhD students and technicians in our research department, where you'll work on an innovative project to develop novel RNA therapies. Your focus will be on advancing small activating RNAs (saRNAs) as a therapy for mono-genetic epilepsies. These epilepsies are caused by known gene mutations that result in the loss of function of the encoded protein. Your goal is to develop a therapy to counteract these detrimental effects. This involves:

• Developing and refining our saRNA approach to modulate gene expression.
• Creating suitable in vitro human disease models.
• Testing various delivery methods.
• Utilizing basic molecular techniques such as qPCR and western blotting.
• Performing intensive neuronal cell culture and transfections.
• Working with lipid nanoparticles.
• Exploring and applying novel genome editing techniques, such as prime editing, to correct disease mutations in vitro.

You will work closely with a small team, provide guidance to other members, and supervise students. Your project is integrated into the MING project and focuses on the area of “Epilepsy”. We have close collaboration with clinical researchers within this focus area, in particular with the Department of Neurology.

Hier ga je werken

The research section of the Department of Genetics currently consists of three full-time PI’s that lead their genetic research groups. It also connects several clinical researchers that are part of the clinical genetics section. The Department of Genetics is part of the UMC Utrecht and provides clinical genetic care (genetic counseling), genome and metabolic diagnostics, bioinformatics and experimental and clinical research. The Genetics department of the UMC Utrecht is part of the Laboratory, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics division and has more than 250 employees. Our department strives to play a leading role nationally and internationally in the field of genetics and molecular biology.

You will get a challenging position in an innovative and collegial working environment. You will have the opportunity to actively contribute to patient care and scientific research. Together we are working on a future-oriented approach to clinical genetics and genomic and metabolic diagnostics.

With more than 12,000 employees, UMC Utrecht is one of the largest public healthcare institutions in the Netherlands and the largest employer in the Utrecht region.

Together we work to improve people's health and create the healthcare of tomorrow. Our location at the Science Park in Utrecht means that the Hubrecht Institute, the Princess Máxima Center (PMC) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) are close by.

Dit neem je mee

• MSc degree in biomedical sciences with expertise in molecular biology.
• Natural curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. Strong drive to innovate and the perseverance to complete projects.
• Relevant background in fundamental and/or translational research, with a preference for experience in molecular genetic analyses, molecular biology, and neuronal cell culture.
• Desire to further develop as an independent scientist with the ability to work independently.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between €3017 and €3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Access to a variety of online courses through GoodHabitz.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.