Job description
Pathogenic variants in the EYS gene are a recurrent cause of autosomal recessively inherited retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive form of vision loss that can lead to complete blindness. Due to the large size of the EYS gene and the encoded protein, plus the fact that it is absent from the genome in some rodent species, little is known about the exact physiological role of EYS within the light-sensing photoreceptor cells of the retina. Consequently, there is also not yet a treatment available for…
patients with EYS-associated retinal disease.
Based on our previous work, including that in mutant eys-deficient zebrafish models, we have designed a number of therapeutic strategies, with recent preliminary data showing efficacy in our model systems. In this project, these strategies will be further developed, tested and optimized in our zebrafish models as well as in iPSC-derived retinal organoids from patients with EYS variants.
The main experimental techniques that will be used are: design and development of molecular interventions (ASO- and CRISPR/Cas-based), cell culture (including iPSCs and retinal organoids), cloning, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunocyto-/histochemistry, generation and maintenance of mutant zebrafish models.
Key activities and responsibilities include:
- Independent planning and execution of experiments.
- Critical analysis of data.
- Monitoring and safeguarding project deliverables and deadlines.
- Project reporting (oral and written).
- Writing scientific manuscripts.
- Attending national and international scientific conferences / symposia.
- Participating in team science outside your own project.
Requirements
Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague with strong communication skills, strong problem-solving skills and that is able to work independently as well as within a team.
Applicants should hold a PhD in Molecular Life Sciences, ideally related to the development of molecular therapies and/or retinal research. In case the PhD has not yet been completed, the PhD manuscript should at least be submitted to the reading / evaluation committee before the employment starts. Clearly state your (anticipated) date of defense / thesis manuscript submission in your CV and/or motivation letter.
Experience with retinal research, molecular therapies (antisense oligonucleotides or CRISPR/Cas9), culturing iPSC-derived (retinal) organoids, and/or working with zebrafish are considered a strong plus.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 2 years.
Well arranged
With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
Compensation
You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.
Flexible benefits scheme
With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
Warm welcome
We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
Changing allowance
If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
Salary increase
At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.
Work–life balance
We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
Growth and development
Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.
Employer
Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.
At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.
Department
Department of Human Genetics
Place of work
The post-doc will work in the research group of prof. dr. Rob Collin, at the Department of Human Genetics at the Radboud university medical center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The group consists of appx. ten employees, including post-docs, PhD candidates, technicians and MSc / Bsc students, all dedicated to design and develop therapeutic interventions for patients that are visually impaired, with the incentive to prevent them from getting blind.
The group maintains close collaborations with other research groups and disciplines (e.g., the Department of Ophthalmology at Radboudumc), inside The Netherlands (Lifelong Vision consortium) as well as internationally.
Additional information
The first job interviews will take place in the 2nd half of September 2026. The second round of interviews will occur in the 1st half of October 2026. Please take this into account.
This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!
Want to know more? We’re happy to provide more information!
Rob Collin
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