- JOB
- Netherlands
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
- University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht)
- Research Field
- Neurosciences » NeurobiologyNeurosciences » Neurology
- Researcher Profile
- Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Application Deadline
- Country
- Netherlands
- Type of Contract
- Temporary
- Job Status
- Not Applicable
- Hours Per Week
- 36.0
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
- Not funded by a EU programme
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
- No
Offer Description
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a life-threatening neurodegenerative disease for which there are currently no effective treatments. Current research efforts are often address protein deregulation as a contributing factor. Our proposal is to examine the environment of motor neurons in greater detail to determine how this contributes to the disease, with a specific focus on a subtype of cellular senescence.
Senescence is a state that cells can enter when they become irreparably damaged. Senescent cells secrete factors into their environment that can lead to chronic disruption of cell-to-cell communication. Recent evidence in mice has shown that senescent cells can drive cognitive decline, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Our preliminary research has also identified the presence of senescent cells in TDP43 mutant mice. Understanding and counteracting the potentially deleterious role of senescent cells in the environment may therefore be attractive against ALS.
You will investigate whether the removal of scarred-senescent cells can affect motor neuron health and function in 2D and 3D tissue culture, assess the role potential candidates advanced multiplex techniques (4i, Cy-Chi and CosMX) and whether disease features can be stalled or counteracted in neurodegeneration/aging/ALS mouse models. When successful and the elimination of scarred senescent cells delays or counteracts disease-features associated in mice, this innovative strategy could then progress into clinical translation aimed at improving the quality of life and survival of patients.
Where to apply
Requirements
Specific Requirements
This 3-year postdoctoral fellowship is focused on molecular mechanisms in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - especially involving mouse models and iPSC-derived co-culture systems. Applicants interested in this project should meet the following requirements:
- You have recently completed your PhD in a biological or biomedical discipline, or will do so soon.
- 5+ years background in molecular and cellular biology. A background in neuroscience or neurodegeneration is a strong preference.
- An understanding of neurology-related biology and genetics (e.g., with ALS-markers as SOD1, C9orf72, TDP-43, FUS), where hands-on experience with associated model systems is much preferred.
- Willingness to work with animal models, including support with mouse colony management and (basic) genotyping, behavioral assays (e.g., rotarod, grip strength, gait analysis). Experience in this area is a plus.
- Experience with 2D cell culture, preferably iPSC systems and a willingness to invest considerable time and effort into optimization of 3D coculture systems and Air-Liquid Interface cultures.
- Experience with -omics is preferred.
- Experience with tissue collection and processing of tissues, including histology and immunohistochemistry is preferred.
- A track record of scientific publications or publications in late-stage review.
- Willingness to participate in scientific writing (manuscripts, reports, grants) for additional project funding.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and willing to supervise other labmembers where needed (Technicians, PhD/MSc students).
- Willingness to co-organize and actively active participate in physical and online meetings and conferences.
- Ensuring compliance with legal requirements as reviewed by a competent in-house and/or external legal counsel for laboratory work and scientific communication.
- Use best efforts to secure at lease one top-tier publication at the end of the project.
- Maintaining confidentiality on all internal organizational affairs.
Additional Information
Benefits
The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.598,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.
In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).
Additional comments
Contact our colleague:
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
088 75 555 55
werken@umcutrecht.nl
- Website for additional job details
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- UMC Utrecht
- Country
- Netherlands
- City
- Utrecht
- Postal Code
- 3584CX
- Street
- Heidelberglaan 100
- Geofield
Contact
- City
- Utrecht
- Website
- Street
- Heidelberglaan 100
- Postal Code
- 3584 CX