Vacancy Postdoc 'Improve the care for children with kidney disease'

Job description

The Pediatric Nephrology research lab, led by profs. Nicole van de Kar, Bert van den Heuvel and Michiel Schreuder, studies glomerular diseases in children. Are you the Postdoc to support our team to further grow our research and develop and apply new techniques? We would like to get to know you!

Within the focus of glomerular diseases in children, some diseases have our special attention. These include complement mediated kidney diseases such as the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and C3 glomerulopathy. In addition, (congenital) nephrotic syndrome, a podocyte disease, as well as glomerular hyperfiltration, for instance in children with reduced nephron endowment, are studied.

Our studies range from clinical studies to animal, organoid and cellular studies and pathway analysis on genetic and protein levels. We do this with a dedicated team, with whom research and (complement) diagnostics and clinics are performed.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Set up cell and organoid culture experiments, and further develop organ-on-a-chip models. As complement mediated diseases encompass endothelial involvement as well, development of such a cellular model is intended.
• Involvement in the development of new complement system assays.
• Project coordination of and involvement in ongoing research projects.
• Develop and test research hypotheses and prepare the research for publication.
• Present the work at seminars within the unit and at external meetings.
• Contribute to the Radboudumc Center of Expertise scientific community through collaborations, workshops and talks. 

Place of work

The research laboratory of our Pediatric nephrology department is closely related to the complement diagnostics lab, and situated at the department of Genetics. We work closely together with, and are in close proximity to, the laboratories of the departments of Pathology (Smeets lab) and Nephrology. The pediatric nephrology team is acknowledged as national expertise center of rare kidney diseases and is a full member of ERKNet.

Radboudumc
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.

We are here for everyone
Did you know that Radboudumc is one of the most inclusive organizations in the world? We are ranked 52nd in the Financial Times international ranking, making us the highest-ranked healthcare organization in the Netherlands. We are committed to a good gender balance in all positions. And you have the opportunity to make the most of your unique personality and talents. So, whoever you are, you are welcome!

Profile

You have a PhD in Medical Biology, Biomedical sciences, Medicine or related field (either awarded or about to submit). Furthermore you have experience working with cell and/or organoid cultures and background knowledge and experience in bioinformatics. You have a demonstrable interest in translational research.

Participating in an interdisciplinary, international, collaborative, and translational research environment suits you well. You possess the interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate and communicate within and beyond academia. You have developed computational skills.

Desirable skills

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• A demonstrable interest in scientific outreach.
• Expertise with and/or knowledge of immunochemical protocols (like Western blot, ELISA, RIA and IP), various immunofluorescence methods and cell biological techniques like 2D- and 3D model systems, RNA work, quantitative RT-PCR, RNAseq, (epi-)genetics, metabolomics and proteomics.
• Affinity with studies in the field of glomerular diseases, nephrogenesis, complement mediated renal disorders and/or glomerular hyperfiltration is an asset.

Employment conditions

The current vacancy is for 0.5fte. Additional (temporary) employment may be possible when additional grants are acquired. The anticipated start date is 1 September 2024.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer: 

• A gross monthly salary of between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% vacation allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• Plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. For example, you can follow various courses via our online learning environment. A lot of attention will also be paid to your wellbeing and vitality. For instance, you can take advantage of:
  • a 40% discount on gym membership at the Radboud Sports Center.
  • the Company Support Team and a personal coach if you experience a life-changing event.
  • a financially favorable option to work less through a generation scheme if you are approaching state retirement age.
  • support with achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have any questions about combining your work and caregiving tasks at home.
• 168 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. Want more vacation? You can buy additional vacation hours with your end-of-year bonus.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, of which 9 weeks are paid.
• Extra-favorable leave conditions. For example, our short-term caregiving leave is not 2 but 4 weeks per year and even 12 weeks per year for partner and child.
• Pension accrual with the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension contribution.
• Discount on the supplementary packages of two collective health insurance policies and on ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• A travel allowance via our Employment Conditions Selection Model and a working-from-home allowance of € 2,35 per day.

And that’s not all!
As a Radboudumc employee can drop your children at the Heyendael day care center on campus and enjoy discounts at our restaurant (where we serve healthy and sustainably produced meals). And thanks to our Employment Conditions Selection Model, you can choose the schemes that are right for you.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 9 July 2024. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place on 17 July 2024. We would appreciate it if you would take this into account.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then call, send a message or email to Michiel Schreuder, pediatric - nephrologist. Use the Apply button to submit your application.