Postdoc 'Molecular therapy for EYS-associated retinal disease'

Radboudumc; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) in Nijmegen invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher to advance therapeutic strategies for EYS-related retinal disease. You will design and execute experiments using ASO- and CRISPR/Cas-based approaches, culture iPSC-derived retinal organoids, and work with mutant zebrafish models.

The role requires a PhD in Molecular Life Sciences and experience in retinal research or molecular therapies; strong communication and independent work are

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Life Sciences or related field with defended thesis.
• Experience with retinal research or molecular therapies is highly valued.
• Strong publication record and ability to present data clearly.

Responsibilities

• 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 conferences/symposia.
• Participating in team science beyond own project.

Skills

Independent planning & execution

Critical data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Life Sciences

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

iPSC-derived retinal organoids

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Good to know

• 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.

Over het bedrijf

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.