We are seeking a highly motivated and talented senior associate researcher (Junior lab Leader) to join our team in the development of functional organoids and study physiology of the retina. Would you like to join our team at the Department of Ophthalmology at Radboud University Medical Center, a global leader in multifactorial and genetic retinal eye diseases?

The research of the department is focused on retinal forms of blindness that affect large numbers of patients worldwide, especially inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our aim is to develop personalized treatment and prevention options using metabolomics, natural history studies and genetic profiles combined with imaging parameters, and artificial intelligence. Our ongoing research activities include genome-wide associations studies, development of eye-on-a-chip and patient-specific stem cell-derived retinal in vitro models, complement assays, and antisense oligonucleotide and CRISPR-cas9 technology.

Your research interacts with these activities and involves unraveling of disease mechanisms in IRDs and AMD on a molecular level, finding leads for disease interventions and prevention. Your research takes place in close collaboration with our ophthalmologists as well as other scientist of the Radboud University.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and lead experiments to record electroretinographic signals with MEA and patch clamp or/and calcium imaging signals from retinal organoids and mouse retina.
• Perform analysis of recorded data.
• Collaborate with other team members to generate functional organoids for retinal research.
• Interpret data and communicate results effectively to the team and stakeholders.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the mentoring and training of students and other team members.
• Lead and expand a research group that is (inter)nationallyrenowned.

You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Additionally, your aptitude includes the supervision of students, showcasing excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Moreover you have:

• Ph.D. in relevant field (e.g., biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering).
• Proven experience in electrophysiology (patch clamp, multi-electrode array, ideally in functional imaging, cell/tissue culture or molecular biology is an advantage.
• Familiarity with the latest techniques in the biology.
• Background in statistics and data analysis.
• Programming experience in Python, Matlab, R or similar is ideal.
• A Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years with a possible extension up to 5 years.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary in scale 10 or 11, depending on experience, between € 3.493 and € 6.402 (for a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. You can also share knowledge with colleagues through digital learning spaces – perfect for getting inspired and inspiring others.
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example, we have our own sports facilities and a Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. And if you are going through a life-changing event, our Company Support Team and a personal coach are there to help you.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training courses (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• 168 holiday hours per year (23 days) based on a 36-hour working week.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid.
• A good collective pension scheme with a 70% reimbursement of your pension premium.
• Discounts on health insurance and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your travel expenses or a working-from-home allowance of €2 per day.

Radboudumc

The department of Ophthalmology has approximately 120 employees, holds 8 ophthalmic subspecialties, each at an academic level. Our main focus of interest lies with the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases which accounts for over half of the patient care provided by the department. Our department is internationally renowned for its expertise on retinal disease. Examples are inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes mellites and vitreoretinal surgery.

Our scientific research lines match the clinical focus and is directed at retinal disorders. We have an enthusiastic team of researchers collaborating across various research lines. Our team includes 2 senior PI’s, 2 junior levels PI’s, one research fellow, 7 PhD students and 2 research technicians.
The department has a large clinical trial center that currently houses over 35 trials. The department's research and clinical trials often target innovative treatment methods, such as gene therapy and RNA therapy.

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 health and 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.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then call, send a message or email to
Prof. dr. Jeroen Klevering, Chairman of department of Ophthalmology or PD Dr. Zohreh Hosseinzadeh, Assistant Professor. Use the Apply button to submit your application.