Postdoc 'Molecular therapy for EYS-associated retinal disease'

Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen; Remote; EUR 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Radboud university medical center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Human Genetics to advance therapeutic strategies for EYS-related retinal disease using zebrafish models and iPSC-derived retinal organoids.

The candidate will independently plan experiments, analyze data, report progress, and contribute to manuscript writing while collaborating with national and international teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Life Sciences or related field with strong publication record.
• Experience with retinal research and molecular therapies is desirable.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and execute experiments related to retinal disease models.
• Critically analyze data and ensure project milestones are met.
• Prepare project reports and contribute to manuscripts.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the lab.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Independent work

Education

PhD in Molecular Life Sciences

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Antisense oligonucleotides

iPSC-derived retinal organoids

Zebrafish

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, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!