This post is available for a fixed term of 4 years to perform research in relation to Dravet syndrome, also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy. The research will be based at the Human Genetics department of Radboud university medical center in close collaboration with the Academic Centre for Epilepsy (ACE) Kempenhaeghe and Maastricht University Medical Center. The aim is to develop an epilepsy ‘brain-on-a-chip’ model that captures the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity found in the disease making use of induced pluripotent stem cells. This brain-on-chip model will be developed as a predictive in vitro platform that can be used for personalized medicine.
 
Our research group at the Radboudumc is renowned for its genetic research in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. Over the past years we have developed unique knowledge and resources, such as human (patient) cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells to generate neurons. Here we propose to exploit our knowledge and resources to develop new strategies for intervention in Dravet syndrome. First, we will perform a retrospective meta-analysis of phenotypic characteristics of epilepsy patients. Second we will model Dravet syndrome by differentiating hIPSCs to neurons on micro-electrode arrays and measure their neuronal network activity, using well-established neurophysiological parameters (synaptic activity, network activity) as readout. Finally, we will perform a pharmaceutical screen based on retrospective data available through ACE Kempenhaeghe.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responsible for performing a retrospective meta-analysis of phenotypic characteristics of epilepsy patients;
• Analyze gene expression data from patients and generate new gene expression data from hiPSC derived neurons;
• Generate genome edited hiPSC lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and phenotype these neurons;
• Designs and performs scientific research;
• Works in a team with PhD students, scientists and clinicians;
• Discusses, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment;
• Works in a highly international research group across two different sites: Radboudumc Nijmegen and ACE Kempenhaeghe.

• Academic degree (MSc) in molecular life sciences, biomedical sciences, medical biology or a related discipline;
• A strong interest in the clinical aspects of epilepsy;
• A strong background in molecular and cellular neuroscience;
• Experience with cell culture of primary neurons and induced pluripotent stem cells;
• Experience in with genome editing tools such as CRIPSR/Cas9;
• Good command of Dutch and English;
• Highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the cutting edge of science;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential;
• Willingness to work flexibly;
• You recognise yourself in the Radboud way of working.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• This position is funded by a ‘ZonMW Topsubisdie’. The position is designed and funded as a 4-year full-time position. Intended starting date is July 2018;
• Salary is € 2279 gross per month (scale 10A) in the first year, plus additional vacation bonus (8% per year) and end of year payments (8.3% per year);
• Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions.

Radboudumc (university medical center)

Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.

https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/research

The research project will be based at the Department of Human genetics and the ACE Kempenhaeghe/Maastricht. We provide a stimulating work environment within a group of enthusiastic clinical and non-clinical researchers with a strong national and international research network. The Department of Human Genetics houses a range of top researchers in the areas of Genetics and Neurosciences. The department has has a strong track record, with recent publications in high-impact journals (Science, Nature, Nature Genetics). The combined infrastructure is state-of-the-art including innovative genetic technologies (Next-Generation Sequencing, etc.), induced pluripotent stem cells (Nijmegen IPS Technology Center) and a wide range of cellular functional assays.