Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder which is mainly characterized by bone fragility as a result of which patients suffer from multiple severe fractures. It is a genetically heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in different genes affecting collagen regulation. In the vast majority of patients less collagen is produced. Despite the severity of the disease no effective therapy exists. We have developed a novel differentiation method to derive osteoblasts from dermal fibroblasts of the patients. In this model we can investigate osteoblast differentiation and function in a disease-relevant molecular background. This project is based on testing small molecules on patient-specific osteoblasts with the potential to upregulate collagen synthesis, the primary problem in the pathology of osteogenesis imperfecta. The candidate will work on their vigorous preclinical evaluation especially in in vivo models of the disease. A large part of the study will also include the development of gene therapy to address the more rare forms of osteogenesis imperfecta.

• A master degree in Molecular and/or Cellular Biology or Biological Sciences;
• Motivation, enthusiasm and ambition to succeed academically;
• The candidate must have a strong hands-on experience with a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques;
• A good early scientific track record is desirable (peer-reviewed articles, attendance in international conferences);
• Excellent verbal and writing English communication skills, ability to work independently as well as within a team;
• Interest in genetics, experience with relevant projects is an advantage;
• Experience with in vivo is considered a strong advantage.

Salary Scale OIO: 2279 tot 2919 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition to a good base salary, we offer, amongst others, an 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay. For more information on our fringe benefits, please see our benefits www.werkenbijvumc.nl/vumc/arbeidsvoorwaarden/

For Dutch citizens it is mandatory to provide a VOG (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag).

VU University Medical Center

VU University Medical Center was founded on 1 January 2001. It was created by the integration of the VU hospital, which opened in 1966, and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Medicine, which was founded in 1950. The history of medical science at VU Amsterdam stretches back to the beginning of the last century. The motto adopted by the VU hospital was 'Medicina Miseriacordiae Ministra' (medicine is the servant of mercy). This motto characterizes the Christian tradition from which the VU hospital sprang. Its priorities are human dignity and respectful treatment.

http://www.vumc.nl/

Center for Connective Tissue Disorders (CCT)

The Center for Connective Tissue Disorders (CCT) has long-standing expertise in the study of osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary osteoporosis and other connective tissue disorders. It is part of the derpartment of Clinical Genetics and it is embedded in the Bone and Stem and Cell Laboratory (BSCL) which, together with the Laboratory for Bone metabolism (Clinical Chemistry department) and the Stem Cell and Nanomedicine laboratory (department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), is dedicated to multifaceted research on bone development and associated diseases. BSLC performs disease genetics and diagnostics, mechanobiology, stem and progenitor cell characterization and differentiation as well as oncology/nanomedicine to address the multiple aspects of pathological bone conditions. CCT belongs to the Amsterdam Movement Sciences research institute and it is also a nationally accredited expertise center for osteogenesis imperfecta. CCT has delivered valuable insight into new genetic causes and molecular mechanisms of this disease. A significant part of research is focused on the development of meaningful therapy for this limited but severely affected patient group.