Job Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) - PhD student Medical Microbiology

Vertebrates depend on a sophisticated network of innate and adaptive immune responses for antiviral defense. Insects and other non-vertebrates, however, lack these immune mechanisms; yet, they are able to effectively clear viral infections. We recently showed that RNA interference (RNAi) is an important antiviral immune system in the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster. Viruses are suppressed by the RNAi machinery, and, as a counter-defense, many viruses evolved suppressors of RNAi. We study the mechanism of RNAi-mediated antiviral defense and its role in viral pathogenesis using insect cell culture and adult Drosophila melanogaster as model systems. In this project, the PhD student will identify novel antiviral defense mechanisms, study their mechanism, and their relation to antiviral RNAi. This work will shed light on antiviral defense mechanisms in insects, which is important for our understanding of transmission and spread of arthropod-borne viruses, such as Dengue virus.

MSc degree in Biomedical or molecular Sciences, Biology or related study

• Strong interest in or experience with virology
• Extensive experience with molecular, biochemical, and cell biology techniques
• Experience with Drosophila work is an advantage, but not required

• Temporary 4 years
• 36 hrs per week
• Salary level  10A: maximal € 2673 gross per month

Nijmegen http://www.umcn.nl/ UMC St Radboud

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUN MC) is a leading academic centre for medical science, education and health care. Knowledge forms the heart of our organisation, connecting research, education and patient care. Over 8.500 staff and 3.000 students are committed and ambitious to contribute to the future of health care and medical science.

Driven by knowledge, empowered by people.

The department of Medical Microbiology - section of Virology studies replication and pathogenesis of RNA viruses, innate antiviral defense, and RNA interference. The section of virology is part of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences (http://www.ncmls.nl), a joint research institute of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre and the Faculty of Science of the Radboud University.

Dr. ir. R. van Rij, scientific researcher, r.vanrij@ncmls.ru.nl, +31 24 3617574