Job Erasmus MC - Ph.D. student (OIO)

The four year PhD position, funded by the Dutch Asthma Foundation, will be open in the lab of Dr Bob J Scholte (PI) at the cell biology department (see: //www.erasmusmc.nl/cellbiology ) Head: Prof Dr Frank Grosveld). The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD training program ( see: http://www.erasmusmc.nl/cellbiology/onderwijs/mgc ) of the Institute of Medical  Genetics (see: http://www.erasmusmc.nl/medical_genetics/info/) The institute offers access to one of Europe’s best equipped experimental animal facilities, microscopic and animal imaging, state of the art molecular biology, bioinformatics, transcriptomics and proteomics. The candidate will collaborate with the groups of Professor Pieter Hiemstra (LUMC), Professor Harm Tiddens (Erasmus MC, Sophia children hospital) and Dr Wim Dik ( Erasmus MC, Immunology).

We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate with a MSc Degree in molecular biology. A background in cell biology and animal models would be welcome, but most importantly we are looking for a candidate who is keen to approach challenging scientific questions, and values an opportunity to develop new clinical options.

We offer you a temporary full-time appointment as a Ph.D. student for a period of four years. The Ph.D. position involves a gross monthly salary of € 2.086,- in the 1st year and increases to € 2.673,- in the 4th year (scale OIO), with a full-time appointment. The conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC is an internationally recognized center for high-quality, compassionate care, highly rated transfer of knowledge and high-quality knowledge development in the fields of illness and health.

In cystic fibrosis (CF), a mutation in the CFTR chloride transport channel causes a devastating and untreatable form of chronic lung disease in more than seventy thousand patients worldwide. The strong variation in progression of lung disease among patients is caused not only by environmental factors but also by genetic variations that predispose some patients to excessive tissue injury and inadequate repair. These factors also play a role in other forms of chronic lung disease like Asthma and COPD. 

The Erasmus MC Cystic Fibrosis translational research group combines fundamental and translational research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms causing this complex disease, aiming at the identification of new therapeutic targets. These issues were discussed last year at a workshop (see: http://cluster15.erasmusmc.nl/seminar_chronic_lung_disease) in Rotterdam, organized by the PI of the current project.

Based on our studies in a mouse model of CF that we have made, we propose that abnormal regulation of membrane bound metallo-proteinases plays an important role in CF lung disease. In the current project we will apply state of the art gene delivery technology and experimental therapeutics to reduce lung disease in the mutant mouse model. Further, the program will use advanced 3D culture of human airway cells to analyse the mechanism of inflammation and fibrosis.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Bob J. Scholte, e-mail b.scholte@erasmusmc.nl. For other information, please contact Wilma Nentenaar, HRM Consultant, telephone (+ 31) (10) 703 8037, or by e-mail to w.nentenaar@erasmusmc.nl.