For a research project funded by Unilever we are looking for a Junior Researcher (MSc) to study the placental transfer of xenobiotics. Before chemicals can be introduced on the market, they need to be evaluated for the risk of inducing adverse effects on the unborn child. This is mandatory, whether the compounds are used as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, consumer products or other purposes. The risk for adverse effects on the unborn child is determined by placental transfer, as well as the intrinsic toxicity of the compound on the embryo/fetus.

In order to study risk without the need for conducting studies in experimental animals, in this project you will contribute to developing an approach to assess placental transfer of compounds in vitro, using human placental tissue and human placental cells. The data derived from this research project will be used in physiology-based toxicokinetic models, which in combination with in vitro DART toxicity data allow risk assessment. The ultimate aim is to develop an integrated approach that is acceptable for the regulatory purposes, in line with international regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and conduct ex vivo human placenta perfusion studies to assess placental transfer of compounds.
• Design and conduct in vitro trans-well assays with placental trophoblast cell lines to assess placental transfer of compounds.
• Assist in the bio-analysis (LC-MS/MS) of compounds to measure compound concentrations.
• Prepare presentations and progress reports for scientific discussions internally, as well as externally with Unilever scientists.
• Contribute to writing of scientific abstracts and papers.

In addition you possess the profile below:

• Completed MSc in biomedical sciences, medical biology, biochemistry or comparable field.
• Experience with cell culture techniques and/or handling of human tissues for laboratory studies.
• Affinity with LC-MS/MS-based bioanalysis methods.
• Interest in physiology-based pharmacokinetic modeling and developmental and reproductive toxicity testing (DART).
• Interest in developing new methodologies for safety testing of compounds that avoid the need for testing in experimental animals.
• Good communication skills in Dutch and English, both in spoken word as well as in writing.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

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 position is available within the department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. The Department has three main tasks: research, education, and consultation that all contribute to our mission of improving the safe and effective use of medicines and improve treatment of intoxications. Research of the department focuses on personalized pharmacotherapy and systems pharmacology/toxicology, ranging from molecule to patient. The candidate will be embedded in an enthusiastic research group consisting of senior staff, PhD-students and technicians. This will ensure proper guidance and will allow the candidate to build professional experience in this emerging field within toxicological risk assessment.

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