PhD candidate gene-targeted treatment for ALS

  • Utrecht
  • € 3.939 per maand
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 2 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionALS is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. In 2024, after 150 years of research, the first effective gene-targeted therapies became available for patients with specific SOD1 gene mutations (
1% of all ALS patients).The main objective of this PhD project is to develop gene-targeted therapies for newly identified ALS-associated genes. The doctoral candidate will acquire a broad set of skills, including trans-differentiation of fibroblasts into neurons (iNeurons), development and screening of antisense oligonucleotides (AONs), live-cell imaging, and transcriptomic analyses.Laboratory work will involve optimizing protocols to convert patient-derived skin cells into neurons (iNeurons). New AONs will be screened through reporter assays and RNA sequencing in iNeurons. Using advanced techniques such as automated live-cell imaging, electrophysiology and biomarker analyses, effective AONs will be selected. Ultimately, the goal is to develop an AON that can be translated into a treatment for ALS patients.The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team consisting of colleagues from biomedical sciences, medicine, bioinformatics, and statistics, both within and outside UMC Utrecht (including the Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics and Charles River Laboratories). Informal yet close collaboration with fellow PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians is expected.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsSpecific RequirementsAn enthusiastic and eager-to-learn researcher with a completed Master's in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, molecular medicine, or comparable, with affinity for laboratory work, who wants to dedicate themselves to finding new treatments for ALS.An enthusiastic and eager-to-learn researcher with a completed Master's in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, molecular medicine, or comparable, with affinity for laboratory work, who wants to dedicate themselves to finding new treatments for ALS.Additional InformationBenefitsThe maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.939,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).Additional commentsContact our colleague:
prof. J.H. Veldink
0887557939
Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UMC Utrecht Country Netherlands City Utrecht Postal Code 3584CX Street Heidelberglaan 100 GeofieldContact CityUtrecht WebsiteStreetHeidelberglaan 100 Postal Code3584 CXSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

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