Postdoctoral researcher - molecular biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

UMC Utrecht; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus 8.3%

Holiday allowance 8%

ABP pension

Public transport reimbursement

Additional benefits options (bike, etc

Job summary

UMC Utrecht zoekt een postdoctoraal onderzoeker op het gebied van moleculaire biomarkers voor ALS binnen het PLUS-ALS programma. Je krijgt toegang tot uitgebreide patiëntcohorten en biobanken in Utrecht en Leuven en werkt aan de ontwikkeling van biomarker panels voor klinisch gebruik.

Je ontwerpt en voert zelfstandig wetenschappelijk onderzoek uit, identificeert biomarker kandidaten, ontwikkelt validatieworkflows en vertaalt bevindingen naar panelen.

Qualifications

• PhD of master student in related field must be completed or near completion.
• Ervaring met proteomics en biomarker-validatie.
• Interesse in translational onderzoek en klinische toepassing.
• Ervaring met ALS of andere neurodegeneratieve aandoeningen is een plus.
• In staat zelfstandig te werken en in een multidisciplinair, internationaal team samen te werken.
• Uitstekende schriftelijke en mondelinge Engels vaardigheden.

Responsibilities

• Ontwerpen en zelfstandig uitvoeren van onderzoek naar moleculaire biomarkers voor ALS.
• Identificeren van biomarker kandidaat uit diverse omics-data.
• Ontwikkelen van validatieworkflows voor biomarkers.
• Vertalen van biomarkers naar klinische panels.
• Uitvoeren van laboratoriumwerk met technieken zoals ECL/ELISA/western blot.
• Samenwerking met onderzoekers in Utrecht en Leuven en met TRICALS-partners.
• Analyseren van onderzoeksdata en rapporteren met statistische ondersteuning.

Skills

PhD in molecular biology

Proteomics

Biomarker validation

Translational research

ALS experience

Team collaboration

English skills

Education

PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/biomedical sciences

Job description

As a postdoctoral researcher - molecular biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the ALS Center Netherlands, you will help develop the molecular biomarker arm of PLUS-ALS. You will have access to extensive, well-characterized patient cohorts and biobanks in both Utrecht and Leuven.

Dit ga je doen

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be responsible for designing and independently conducting scientific research focused on the discovery and validation of molecular biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying new biomarker candidates from various types of omics data, including Olink and NULISA.
• Developing robust and efficient validation workflows.
• Translating promising biomarkers into panels suitable for clinical use.
• Performing laboratory research using techniques such as ECL, ELISA, western blotting, and related quantitative analytical methods.
• Collaborating with researchers in Utrecht and Leuven and regularly discussing research progress and findings.
• Analyzing research data and writing up results with statistical support from experienced methodologists.

Hier ga je werken

You will join the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at UMC Utrecht. The department conducts internationally leading research into neuromuscular disorders, including ALS and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

You will be part of the ALS Center Netherlands and work on PLUS-ALS, a collaboration between the ALS centers in Utrecht and Leuven. The project aims to accelerate the development of ALS treatments through an innovative biomarker platform. You will have access to extensive, well-characterized patient cohorts and biobanks at both locations.

You will work in an international team of researchers, clinicians, and methodologists. You will also collaborate with pharmaceutical partners through the TRICALS network. This collaboration allows you to combine scientific research with knowledge that can contribute to the development of new treatments for people living with ALS.

Dit neem je mee

• You hold a PhD or are close to completing one in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• You have demonstrable experience in proteomics, immunoassays, and/or biomarker validation.
• You are interested in translational research and applying research findings in clinical practice.
• Experience with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or other neurodegenerative disorders is an advantage.
• You can work independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary, international team.
• You have excellent written and spoken English skills.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3.724 en € 5.867 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• An employment contract for one year, with the possibility of an extension for the duration of PLUS-ALS (five years).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.