Project description

We seek a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in molecular biology to join two ongoing projects in the field of regenerative medicine: 1) RegMed XB Kidney Moonshot (www.regmedxb.com), which aims to differentiate iPSCs into kidney organoids to create a therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease, and 2) molecular regeneration, which aims to identify and use miRNA and lncRNA to modulate stem cell behavior for regeneration. The candidate would begin with a focus on the RegMed XB project and then would switch to the molecular regeneration project.

More specifically, the work within the RegMed XB Kidney Moonshot is about the directed differentiation of iPSCs. Previous work in our consortium has identified an off-target population that emerges during differentiation towards kidney organoids. The successful candidate will use data from existing transcriptomic and proteomic experiments to inform the selection of a small molecule that can be applied during differentiation to reduce the number of non-renal cells. Validation will be with standard in vitro assays that have already been established in our laboratory. And the work within the molecular regeneration project deals with the field of non-coding RNAs and their influence on regeneration. We have shown that co-morbidities such as osteoporosis have a specific miRNA profile. These miRNAs influence regenerative genes for bone tissue, reversing the detrimental effects of disease. The successful candidate will perform an in-depth transcriptomic analysis of bone defects and will mechanistically unravel the relationship of the non-coding RNAs on bone regeneration (RNA network, translational targets, pathway interactions). Furthermore, modulating these non-coding RNAs will be studied for regeneration purposes.

Description of the candidate

Candidates should possess a PhD in cell or molecular biology, or expect to receive their PhD shortly. These are two interdisciplinary projects, so it is not expected that one candidate fulfils all requirements. Importantly, it is not required that the candidate is an expert in both kidney and bone biology; this can be gained through collaboration.

We encourage you to apply if you possess expertise in at least 3 of these 6 areas:

• (Stem) cell culture
• Directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells

• mRNA modulation (incl. miRNA or lncRNA)
• Transcriptomics
• Cloning
• Cell biology and molecular biology assays (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, etc.)

We are looking for creative thinkers who are prepared to take on highly challenging aims. The projects will be very interdisciplinary, and will suit an ambitious candidate who likes a fast-paced environment. Excellent knowledge of scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing are required. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

We offer full-time employment for a postdoc. The appointment will be for a period of 3 years.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The salary is set in scale 10 or 11 (depending on experience) of the CAO NU (€2.790,00 - €5.127,00)

Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM, http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/) is renowned for its unique, innovative problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. The university has around 18,000 students and 4,400 employees. Reflecting UM's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties, the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the School of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

MERLN Institute

The host
The candidate will work in the laboratories of Prof Martijn van Griensven and Dr Vanessa LaPointe in the Department of Cell Biology–Inspired Tissue Engineering at the MERLN Institute (www.merlninstitute.com) at Maastricht University. At MERLN, we are a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary group with diverse expertise, including biomaterials science, chemistry, tissue engineering, and (stem) cell biology. We share newly renovated laboratory facilities with modern equipment. We have a long history as leaders in the field of tissue engineering and are particularly well-known for our orientation towards translational research.