The project you will work on focuses on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD is characterized by the formation of many fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. The number and size of cysts increase over time, finally causing renal failure. The main focus of our research is to unravel the disease mechanism with the aim to develop therapies. To this aim mouse models, cell lines and organoids are being used with (tissue-specific) disruption of the gene involved, in combination with molecular biological, genetic and drug identification strategies.

You  will focus on functional effects of specific mutations in novel mouse and cell models, and the effects of drug treatments. You will apply molecular-biological techniques combined with cell biology, microscopic analyses and animal studies. The project is funded by a Eurostar consortium grant.

In short

• You hold a PhD degree in a Biological topic

• You will conduct research on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

• Your research group is led by Prof. Dr. Dorien Peters

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual with a PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent studies. Applicants should have a strong research background and solid experience in molecular and cellular biology, including cell culture techniques, protein work and cell imaging technologies. Holding an animal certificate ex article 9 (Dutch Animal Act) and having worked with mouse models is essential. Furthermore, you show critical and independent thinking, have experience with project management, a flexible work attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

You will be employed on the basis of 36 hours per week. Appointment is for one with the possibility of one year extension. Your salary is based on your education and experience and is a maximum of  € 4,216  gross per month for a full time position (scale 10 in the Collective Labour Agreement forUniversity Hospitals).

The terms of employment offered by the LUMC are excellent. For example, you will receive 8% holiday pay, a year-end bonus, and a pension arrangement with the National Civil Pension Fund. Also, as an employee of one of the University Hospitals in the Netherlands, you can benefit from our collective health insurance policy.

Moreover, the LUMC offers excellent facilities in terms of education, child-care centers, and career advice. In addition, you may enjoy various leave arrangements and other extras.

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), we are continually seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The LUMC aims for excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training and continuing education.

http://www.lumc.nl/

Human Genetics

The Department of Human Genetics is a broadly oriented research department with a focus on the (epi)genomic contribution to inherited and acquired diseases. The department consists of eighteen self-contained research groups that perform research in four different themes. This project fits within the theme ‘Functional Genomics of Systemic Disorders'.  This theme is embedded in the LUMC Medical Research Profile ‘Vascular and Regenerative Medicine'.