Several genetic defects in anticoagulant proteins, which are predominantly produced by the liver, have been found in patients with hereditary thrombophilia. These include nonsense mutations that cause a premature stop codon and a resultant complete loss of protein function. Current treatment based on the administration of exogenous anticoagulants come with limitations and other therapeutic strategies are needed. One strategy is to reduce the efficiency of translation termination that result from in-frame premature stop codons, thereby restoring the production of full-length functional proteins. In this project in vitro cell models, involving patient pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes/liver organoids are employed to investigate the potential of premature termination codon read-through-inducing drugs to restore functional anticoagulant protein synthesis. The postdoc will be working in the department of Cell Biology, in collaboration with the department of Hematology and department of Laboratory Medicine, at the University Medical Center Groningen which offers a vibrant and international working environment with a variety of state-of-the-art facilities including advanced microscopic imaging and iPSC-CRISPR facilities.

The junior postdoctoral researcher applications should have the following requirements:
- We are looking for a junior postdoc on the topic of protein restoration therapy for inherited thrombophilia, funded by the Dutch Thrombosis Foundation (Trombosestichting Nederland) (Project: 2017-04).
- A PhD degree (or close to) in the field of Molecular Cell Biology or related fields with an interest in human medicine.
- Demonstrable scientific creativity and productivity, evident in publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Demonstrable hands-on experience with animal/human cell culture and molecular biology (e.g., cloning, mutagenesis.
- Hands-on experience with (pluripotent) stem cells will be appreciated.
- Fluent in English (spoken and writing).
- Flexible and demonstrated ability to function in a team.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Behaviour’ is required.

Employment basis: Temporary for a period of 2 years.
Duration of the contract: One year with extension possibility for another year.
Maximum salary amount € 4.216,- (scale 10) gross per month depending on your qualifications and experience, based on a full time position. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and a development budget. The terms of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

Department of Cell Biology

The Department of Cell Biology at the UMC Groningen focusses on post-transcriptional responses to cellular and metabolic stress centered around the themes cellular fitness and human health (cellbiology.umcg.nl). The Department runs facility centers for Drosophila research and advanced microscopy and we participate in the MS Center Noord Nederland as wells as in centers of expertise for rare diseases.