Mosquitoes are vectors for transmission of important human pathogens, such as Dengue virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus. Arboviruses are targeted by two small RNA pathways in the mosquito vector, the small interfering RNA pathway and the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. In addition, the piRNA pathway seems to have additional functions in transposon control and gene regulation. Although siRNAs are well-studied, the biogenesis, mechanisms, and functions of piRNAs are not well understood.

For a project funded by a VICI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), we we are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to study regulatory functions of piRNAs, using genome-wide tools including RNA seq and ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation)-seq. As experimental models, both mosquito cell lines and adult mosquitoes will be used.

• Recent PhD degree in molecular biology;
• Good track record of scientific publications;
• Experience with next generation sequencing (RNA seq and/or ChIP seq) and analyses thereof;
• Excellent communication skills and good command of spoken and written English;
• Highly motivated to do fundamental scientific research.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be a screening based on the provided CV. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

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Radboudumc

Department of Medical Microbiology
The laboratory of Experimental Virology (Principal Investigator: Dr. Ronald van Rij) studies virus-host interactions in mosquitoes, Drosophila, and mammals. The laboratory is affiliated with the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), a multidisciplinary research institute of Radboud University and Radboudumc. RIMLS provides a productive scientific environment for innovative science and offers access to state-of-the-art core facilities, including cellular imaging, proteomics, and genomics.

Radboudumc
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.

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