Job description
Join our team as a postdoctoral researcher in an 18-month project, starting on 1 October 2026; a later start date can be accommodated.
Chronic inflammatory kidney diseases are a major health burden. Current treatment is symptomatic with significant systemic side effects. Oligonucleotides such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA and mRNA provide the possibility to specifically interfere with disease-causing processes, however, these molecules critically depend on effective targeting of the disease causing target cells.
In this application-oriented project, we will take strategies for cellular targeting and activity measurement of various types of oligonucleotides coupled to targeting ligands from an early to a late preclinical stage. For this purpose, coupling protocols and analytical protocols will be optimized and activity and toxicity studies for the various types of formulations performed.
You will independently design, perform and analyse experiments aimed at improving cellular targeting and advancing these formulations towards late-stage preclinical development.
The project is directed by and conducted in close collaboration with Mercurna, a biotech company developing targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory kidney disease. Mercurna is also located in Nijmegen, enabling a close coordination of activities.
Requirements
Profile
You should have experience in biomolecular conjugation strategies and analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and dynamic light scattering next to standard biochemical and cell biological techniques. Experience in confocal microscopy is desirable.
As this project will focus on process optimization and standardization, there should be a good understanding of the relevant degrees of freedom. You should be able to plan, execute and analyze experiments independently and carefully document protocols and results.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 1.5 jaar.
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
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 Medical BioSciences
Place of work
The work will take place at the Radboudumc in the group of Targeted Nanomedicines (Prof. Dr. Roland Brock) of the Departement of Medical BioSciences in close collaboration with Mercurna B.V.
Additional information
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! Roland Brock — Send an email
#weareradboudumc
Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. We want to have a significant impact on healthcare. Will you make the difference?
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