The RASopathies form a group of human syndromes that are characterized by similar symptoms (short stature, craniofacial defects, cardiac defects and enhanced susceptibility to cancer) and are caused by activating mutations in factors of the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. Noonan syndrome (NS) is one of the most common RASopathies and 50% of NS patients have an activating mutation in SHP2, a protein-tyrosine phosphatase encoded by the PTPN11 gene. To understand the molecular-genetic and cellular basis of NS at the organismal level, we study zebrafish. We have introduced mutations in zebrafish ptpn11 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and Homology-Directed Repair. Initial characterization suggested that the zebrafish model recapitulates the symptoms in human patients, including myeloproliferative neoplasias that are reminiscent of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.73040). The next steps will be the characterization of mutant zebrafish lines with different NS-associated mutations and identification of lead drugs for pharmacological amelioration of symptoms in the zebrafish lines with NS.

You have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular genetics or similar. Experience with zebrafish is not required, but is preferred. You have affinity with cellular signal transduction and with multidisciplinary research.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with possible extension after a positive evaluation.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.960,00 and the maximum salary is €4.670,00 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park 'De Uithof'. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

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