Netherlands: Postdoctoral Fellow - Retinal Gene Therapy
Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) is an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Its main activity is fundamental and strategic scientific research in the field of the neurosciences with an emphasis on brain research and research of the visual system
Within the research unit Neuromedical Genetics of Dr. J. Wijnholds at the NIN there is an open position for a
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN RETINAL GENE THERAPY (M/F)
38 hours per week
Project information:
Patients with mutations in the CRB1 gene suffer from retinal degeneration leading to blindness. CRB1 plays an important role in the maintenance of photoreceptor cell polarity and cellular interactions between photoreceptors and Müller glia cells. The postdoc will work on an ongoing gene therapy project for CRB1. The postdoc will join a team of 5 postdocs, 2 PhD students and a research assistant that elucidates the cell biological pathways of CRB1 and interacting proteins in cell polarity and adhesion (Hum. Mol. Genet. 15 :2659-72; 15:1291-302; 15: R235-R243; J. Neurosci. 27:564-573).
Techniques to be applied, e.g.:
Construction of AAV gene therapy vectors, mammalian cell and retina culture, transfections, purification of viral particles, qPCR, injection into and transductions of Crb1 mutant retinas, Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy, immunohistochemical analyses, fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The laboratory is equipped with excellent new facilities with state-of-the-art equipment for molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and histology.
Requirements:
We are seeking for a highly self-motivated, enthusiastic postdoc with excellent organizational skills and a strong interest in bringing retinal gene therapy towards the clinic. The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent in one of the Life Sciences and experience in e.g. viral gene technology or retinal cell biology is an advantage. You are ambitious with excellent communicative and writing skills and with the ability to supervise a research technician and students. You are encouraged to develop productive collaborations with other research groups, a biotech company (AMT), and Departments of Ophthalmology.
Appointment:
This position, financed by a ZonMw gene therapy TOP grant, involves a temporary appointment for a period of 3 years. The NIN is an equal opportunities employer.
Application deadline: February 15, 2009. Starting date: April 16, 2009 or as soon as possible.
Employment conditions:
The gross salary coming with a full-time appointment will amount up to EUR 3.755,- per month (salary scale 10) of the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten), excluding 8% holiday pay and a 8.3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.
Work location:
Amsterdam. The NIN is located next to the Academic Medical Centre.
Information:
Further information can be obtained at http://www.nin.knaw.nl/research_teams/wijnholds_group/ or from Dr. Jan Wijnholds by phone +31-20-5664597.
Interested?
A motivated application including your curriculum vitae and the names of three references should be send to Dr. J. Wijnholds (j.wijnholds@nin.knaw.nl), Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Any acquisition further to this advertisement will not be appreciated.
