Vacature - PhD position: In vivo knock-down of liver specific gene expression

The Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research in the AMC conducts translational and fundamental research. The liver has a central role in many metabolic processes including the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Excretion of these compounds into bile is an essential step in this process. Transport of metabolites to the bile is one of the fundamental processes studied, and especially the role of P4 ATPases herein. P4 ATPases are phospholipid flippases and are essential in the regulation of membrane structure and in the generation of transport vesicles. Deficiency of one P4 ATPase results in (liver) disease, however, the (patho)physiological function of most other P4 ATPases is largely unexplored.
For this research line we are looking for a motivated (OIO) for a project entitled “In vivo knock-down of liver specific gene expression”. He/she will use both viral and DNA based methods to reduce the expression of P4 ATPases in the liver to determine their role in liver physiology and liver disease.
The candidate will set-up a platform for efficient generation of self-complementary Adeno Associated Viral Vectors to allow specific knock-down of several P4 ATPases. In addition he/she will use LNA probes to knock-down expression of these genes in vitro and subsequently in vivo.

We are looking for: a highly motivated PhD student, with a master in Biomedical Sciences or similar education, who has the drive to perform research to develop these in vivo approaches. Experience in the culture of cells, production of recombinant viral vectors would be an asset.

We offer the opportunity to perform PhD-research in a stimulating environment; a 4 year PhD-contract with excellent terms including pension, holiday pay (8.0%) and a 13th month (8.3%). Salary is based on experience ranging from 2.107,00 in the first year up to 2.700,00 in the fourth year. Employment is through AMC Medical Research BV.

For information purposes only, please contact:
Dr. Coen Paulusma, tel: +31 20 5668850, email: c.c.paulusma@amc.uva.nl
Dr. Piter Bosma, tel: +31 20 5668850, email: p.j.bosma@amc.uva.nl