Advancing Gene Therapy for Kidney Diseases : EU-Funded Postdoctoral Position

Cima Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 45.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research institute in Pamplona is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on innovative gene therapy approaches for inherited kidney diseases. The candidate will be involved in vector engineering and CRISPR studies, alongside responsibilities like conducting AAV screenings and mentoring students. A PhD in a relevant field and experience in molecular biology and animal handling are required. Proficiency in English is also necessary.

Formación

• Experience in molecular biology (cloning, PCR, WB) and animal handling is required.
• Experience in NGS and basic bioinformatics analysis is preferred.
• A good level of written and spoken English is required.

Responsabilidades

• Perform AAV capsid screenings in animal models.
• Design and test prime editing in vitro and in vivo.
• Perform in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies in ADPKD animal models.
• Manage collaborations with lab and external partners.
• Train and oversee PhD and master’s students.

Conocimientos

Molecular biology

Animal handling

NGS

Bioinformatics

Written and spoken English

Educación

PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Sciences, Biomedicine or similar

Descripción del empleo

Overview

The NextGen Gene Delivery Technologies lab is hiring a postdoctoral researcher with experience in gene therapy and gene editing. We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc with experience in molecular biology and animal experimentation to work on a EU-funded project that aims to develop therapies for inherited kidney diseases. The NextGen Gene Delivery Technologies lab is seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher to work at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. The lab is part of the Cima research institute and is integrated in the DNA RNA Medicine Division. The main focus of the lab is the development of potent and safe therapies for inherited kidney diseases through vector engineering and gene editing.

Dr. Nerea Zabaleta, the lab lead, will be the main supervisor of the postdoctoral researcher. Dr. Zabaleta has more than 10 years of experience in the field of gene therapy and she has recently transferred her lab from Harvard Medical School to Cima Universidad de Navarra to initiate a gene therapy program focused on inherited kidney diseases. She has recently received an ERC Starting Grant to fund this project. Dr. Zabaleta has ample experience supervising postdocs and is driven towards mentorship.

The project aims to develop innovative in vivo gene editing approaches to treat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This is a large project that explores several aspects of gene therapies for renal disease, including vector engineering, gene editing, animal models and patient-derived models. The postdoctoral fellow will work on vector engineering, CRISPR prime editing design and in vivo studies in animal models of disease.

Responsibilities

• Perform AAV capsid screenings in animal models
• Design and test prime editing in vitro and in vivo
• Perform in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies in ADPKD animal models
• The candidate will be required to keep up to date on relevant bibliography
• Present their work at lab meetings, department seminars and conferences
• Manage collaborations with others in the lab and with external collaborators
• The postdoc will be expected to be independent and present results and study designs in weekly meeting with the PI to discuss.
• Train and oversee PhD and master’s students
• Collaborate in general lab duties

Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Sciences, Biomedicine or similar.
• Experience in molecular biology (cloning, PCR, WB) and animal handling is required.
• Experience in NGS and basic bioinformatics analysis is preferred.
• A good level of written and spoken English is required.