We are looking for a postdoc for our research within Hearing & Genes. Our research is directed towards the identification and understanding the genetic causes of hearing loss and the development of (genetic) therapies using cell and animal models (zebrafish, mice). Will you join us?

Long ago, Helen Keller indicated "Blindness separates people from things; deafness separates people from people." Hearing loss (deafness) is the most common sensory disorder in humans and is often due to genetic defects. We found that a specific defect in the RIPOR2 gene is an important cause of hearing loss (type DFNA21). This type of hearing loss is highly variable and genetic factors are indicated to contribute importantly to this variation.

The postdoc we are recruiting will be central in the identification of these modifying genetic factors. Such factors might well inform us on how to prevent the onset of hearing loss and/or on the design of therapeutic strategies. You will be part of the Hearing & Genes expert center for hereditary hearing loss.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and perform scientific data analysis and experiments in an independent manner.
• Critically analyze results.
• Co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students).
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts.
• Present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.
• Participate in educational tasks (optional).

Candidates must have obtained their PhD degree in the last three years (or submitted their thesis to the manuscript committee), in the field of molecular genetics or bioinformatics. A background in analysis of exome or genome sequencing data is required. Knowledge of gene regulatory elements, an experimental background or interest in experimental molecular (genetic) research, including DNA or RNA analysis, is preferred.

In addition, you should have strong communication skills (both orally and in writing), a critical scientific attitude, and a high level of ambition. You are able to work both independently as well as in a team.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years. Possibilities for extension depend on additional funding.

Anticipated start date: May 2022. Working at Radboud university medical center means that you are ahead of the curve and working together on the healthcare of the future. And there is more. Our secondary terms of employment are impressive. These are fully tailored to you thanks to our Employment Conditions Selection Model. At Radboud university medical center, you will be given trust, and you will take the responsibility to handle everything together. We provide annual courses, both professional and personal.

• In addition to your monthly salary and an annual vacation allowance of 8%, you will receive an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• If you work irregular hours, you will receive an allowance.
• As a full-time employee (36 hours per week), you are entitled to approximately 168 vacation hours (over 23 days) per year.
• Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. You pay the rest of the premium with your gross salary.
• You get a discount on health insurance as well: you can take advantage of two group health insurance plans. UMC Zorgverzekering and CZ collectief.

In addition to our terms of employment, we also offer employees various other attractive facilities, such as childcare and sports facilities. Want to learn more? Take a look at the CAO UMC.

Radboudumc

The Deafness genetics' reseach group in Hearing & Genes, headed by Prof. dr. Hannie Kremer and Dr. Ronald Pennings, aims to unravel the genetic landscape of hereditary hearing loss and determine and understand genotype-phenotype correlations. The gained insights are being employed for the development of therapeutic interventions in the closely associated research team headed by dr. Erwin van Wijk and dr. Erik de Vrieze.

The candidate will be embedded in the Department of Human Genetics within the Radboudumc (Nijmegen, the Netherlands), which is internationally renowned for its research and diagnostics of a variety of genetic and genomic disorders. The Department offers an exciting working environment with enthusiastic people from many parts of the world enjoying high quality research.

Radboudumc
Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. Radboud university medical center strives to be at the forefront of shaping the healthcare of the future. We do this in a person-centered and innovative way, and in close collaboration with our network. We want to have a significant impact on healthcare. We want to improve with each passing day, continuously working towards better healthcare, research, and education. And gaining a better understanding of how diseases arise and how we can prevent, treat, and cure them, day in and day out. This way, every patient always receives the best healthcare, now and in the future. Because that is why we do what we do.

Read more about our strategy and what working at Radboud university medical center means. Our colleagues would be happy to tell you about it. #weareradboudumc