​Postdoc FSHD Group in Nuclear Heterogeneity in Different Models of the Skeletal Muscle Disorder Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

We are looking for an enthusiastic Postdoc candidate to study nuclear heterogeneity in different models of the skeletal muscle disorder facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). The project involves cutting-edge genome-wide technologies: next-generation sequencing and spatial transcriptomics technologies in muscle cell cultures, muscle-on-a-chip model consisting of muscle cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and patient muscle biopsies. Are you interested? Don’t hesitate to apply!

About your role

As a postdoc at the Human Genetics Department, you will work in a team that studies the skeletal muscle disorder facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy. Clinically, FSHD is characterized by a progressive and often asymmetric weakness and wasting of the facial, shoulder, and upper arm muscles. Disease onset, severity and progression are highly variable among individuals with FSHD. The disease mechanism behind FSHD is complex, with genetic and epigenetic contributing factors resulting in nuclear heterogeneity. In this project, you will study the molecular and cellular basis of this nuclear heterogeneity in different FSHD model systems (muscle cell cultures and hiPSC-derived muscle-on-a-chip models) using state-of-the-art technologies like spatial transcriptomics, gene regulation and next generation (single cell, single molecule long- and short read) sequencing technologies. You will work in a multi-disciplinary team, closely interacting with molecular biologists, bio-informaticians, and neurologists. You are internationally well-connected to top clinical and fundamental scientist. As a researcher, you will present data in house and at conferences, write articles, and have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

About you

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and result-driven candidate who can work independently and in a team;

• You hold a PhD in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, neurosciences or related fields;

• Cell culture experience and experience or affinity with bioinformatics are an added value;

• You are creative, have excellent social and organizational abilities;

• Lastly, you are fluent in English, both in writing and speech.

Our offer

Getting better by breaking new ground; that’s our mission. This applies not only to healthcare, but also to our employees. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget and bicycle scheme. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fundffiliated with the ABP pension fund that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary.

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

About your workplace

The Department of Human Genetics is a broadly oriented research department led by prof. dr. Silvère van der Maarel, focusing on the (epi)genomic contribution to monogenic, multifactorial and acquired diseases and the translation into clinical relevance. The department comprises 22 research groups embedded in four overarching research lines. You will work in the FSHD research group. The FSHD group is interested in different aspects of the skeletal muscle disorder FSHD, including (epi)genetics, molecular aspects of FSHD pathogenesis, disease models, and preclinical therapy development. The FSHD research group is part of the departmental research line Functional Genomics of Muscle, Nerve and Brain Disorders hosting ~60 scientists with focus on translational research in genetic and acquired neurological diseases

More information

Salary ranges from  €3,230,- to a maximum of €5,088.- (scale 10, CAO UMC) based on full-time employment.

Employment contract for 1 year with the possibility to extend.

You can also contact prof. dr. ir. Silvère van der Maarel, professor of medical epigenetics, Human Genetics department, maarel@lumc.nl.

Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Contact

Dr. Judit Balog, senior researcher, Human Genetics department

j.balog@lumc.nl

Tel. +31 (0)71 526 9486