What you are going to do
The Ocular Angiogenesis Group is looking for a motivated candidate to join our team and study the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis in ocular diseases. Angiogenesis or neovascularization in the eye is characterized by the growth of very small and leaking blood vessels. In exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases, retinal angiogenesis is the most important pathological process. The current standard therapy for exudative AMD and other ocular conditions with angiogenesis is inhibition of the growth factor VEGF. However, this approach is not always successful, and involves a heavy burden for the patient due to frequent intraocular injections. It is therefore necessary to develop new strategies of anti-angiogenesis, and treatments aimed at the so-called tip cell are promising in this respect. The tip cell is the first cell that becomes formed and activated during angiogenesis, and is the leading cell on the advancing end of a vascular sprout. From our own research and publications of others, we have made a selection of candidate genes that may serve as a target for anti-angiogenesis-therapy and investigate these in more detail. The aim of the present study is 1) to confirm the tip cell specificity, 2) verify whether inhibition leads to reduced angiogenesis, and 3) to further unravel the molecular mechanisms of the candidate genes. For this purpose, we will use a diversity in in vitro and in vivo models, including 3D angiogenic sprouting assays in spheroids and organ-on-a-chip assays, RNAscope in combination with immunohistochemistry (ISH-IHC) on pathologic human specimens and in the developing mouse retina. In vivo, candidate genes will be knocked down by siRNA in 1) the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, 2) the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model, and 3) the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model.

What we expect from you
We seek a talented and highly motivated candidate with proven experience in cell and molecular biology, cell signaling and confocal microscopy. You have a PhD degree in (molecular) life sciences or biomedical sciences. Experience with preclinical studies is a prerequisite. You are able to work independently as well as in a team and have excellent communication and writing skills.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months, with the prospect of extending the contract for 1 or 2 years upon good performance.

What we offer you
We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at AMR means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.

• The maximum gross monthly salary based on a 36-hour work week is € 4.615,- (scale 10 CAO UMC).
• The base salary does not include holiday pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%).
• We initially offer a contract for 12 months, with the prospect of extending the contract for 1 or 2 years upon good performance.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.

For an overview of all our other terms of employment, see https://werkenbijamc.nl/arbeidsvoorwaarden-amr/.
Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. Together we continuously build an environment where everyone feels welcome. To achieve that, we strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy.

Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC is hiring
We are always on the lookout for talented and passionate people to join our growing team. You will have the opportunity to develop any aspects you are interested in.

The Ocular Angiogenesis group

The Ocular Angiogenesis group, headed by Prof. Reinier Schlingemann and Dr. Ingeborg Klaassen, is part of the Department of Ophthalmology and housed in the Department of Medical Biology. Within our team you work closely together with PhD students and a technician. Within Amsterdam UMC, we have several collaborations with other researches within the field of vascular research, cancer research and neurosciences. Furthermore, we collaborate with numerous national and international groups. In our department the latest technical advances in imaging, such as high-resolution confocal imaging, correlative electron microscopy and live-cell imaging are available.
Want to know more about working at AMR? Take a look at our website https://werkenbijamc.nl/werken-bij-amr/.