PhD Candidate Correlative Super-resolution microscopy of mRNA nanoparticles

Oligonucleotides such as messenger RNAs hold great promise as therapeutics in a vast number of diseases, ranging from genetic defects to cancer and infectious diseases. However, efficient oligonucleotide delivery is one of the most burning problems in biomedicine. At present we lack understanding of the structure of oligonucleotide delivery vectors, their interactions with cells and intracellular trafficking, and of their behavior in complex tissue environments.
The aim of this project is to develop super-resolution microscopy and correlative imaging workflows that will enable to paint the complete dynamic and ultrastructural picture of oligonucleotide delivery in cells and tissues. These workflows will provide a seamless integration of super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, STED), and electron microscopy (FIB/SEM and cryo-TEM) and will be used to relate ultrastructural information to the chemistry of delivery complexes, how it evolves during uptake and how this correlates with activity.

This four-year project is a collaborative effort between the Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group led by Lorenzo Albertazzi https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/nanoscopy-for-nanomedicine/ and the department of Medical BioSciences (Prof. Dr. Roland Brock/Prof. Dr. Nico Sommerdijk) at Radboud University. The project is funded through the 'Open Technology Program' of the Dutch Science Organization NWO and is supported by four companies in the area of  microscopy and messenger RNA formulation and clinical application.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.