Postdoc – 38 hrs p/w

Project description
In the framework of a ZonMW-funded project entitled: “Translational strategies for lymphatic anomalies in RASopathies”, there is an opening for a postdoc in the den Hertog lab. 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 and other NS-associated genes, sos1 and sos2, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and Homology-Directed Repair. Initial characterization suggested that these zebrafish NS models recapitulate symptoms in human NS patients. In this project, the focus will be on defects in the lymphatic vasculature, which is a major problem in human NS patients. We will investigate genotype/phenotype correlations in zebrafish NS models and study the mechanism underlying defects in the lymphatic vasculature. Moreover, we will use therapeutic drugs to ameliorate the lymphatic defects in zebrafish NS models. This approach will highlight how pharmacological intervention rescues development of lymphatic structures.

Requirements
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.

Information
For additional information please contact Prof. Dr. Jeroen den Hertog,  or visit the website www.hubrecht.eu.

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focused on molecular and developmental biology. Because of the dynamic character of the research, the institute has a variable number of research groups, around 20, that do fundamental, multidisciplinary research on healthy and diseased cells, tissues and organisms. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), situated on Utrecht Science Park. Since 2008, the institute is affiliated with the UMC Utrecht, advancing the translation of research to the clinic. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). For more information, visit www.hubrecht.eu.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.546,-  and the maximum salary is € 5.538,- 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.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

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.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.