Are you searching for an exciting opportunity for a PhD study on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived human organoids and viral gene editing therapy? Maybe this will be the vacancy you’re looking for.

This study includes the generation of mutant iPSCs by CRISPR-Cas gene editing and the optimization of differentiation of these into cultured human retinas. Other activities are the development of gene editing therapy vectors and CRISPR-Cas gene editing therapy vectors targeting differentiated retinal cells, and test these vectors in human iPSC-derived models of retinal disease. The selected PhD student will be registered at the LUMC Graduate School.

Our research team is looking for an enthusiast PhD student with strong intellectual and experimental skills in one of the Life Sciences. You have obtained a Master degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical sciences, Neurosciences or equivalent. Some basic knowledge in Retinal Biology, Stem Cell Biology is also required. You have a proven track record of lab research training and affinity with experimentation to test new therapeutics for the retina. Both your communication skills and your English language skills (written and oral), are of course excellent.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for a maximum of four years, to be completed with a doctoral thesis.Your salary is € 2,357 gross per month in the first year, amounting to € 3,020 in the fourth year (scale PhD students, CAO-UMC).

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/

Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology of the LUMC provides Top Referent care to patients with eye diseases such as cancer or hereditary eye disease. Besides clinical care we perform ground breaking pre-clinical research towards novel treatments for eye diseases. In addition, we offer excellent research facilities for your training as pre-clinical retinal therapist.