Vacancy Postdoc 'Small RNA biology in vector mosquitoes'

Job description

In a European Research Council (ERC)-Advanced Grant funded project, we aim to set up novel genetic tools to inactivate PIWI gene expression in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These tools will then be used to study the diverse functions of the piRNA pathway, including its role in host defense. Are you the enthusiastic, motivated postdoc with hands-on experience in insect genetics to join our team for this exciting project? 

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNA molecules that are essential for life. The PIWI gene family is a rapidly evolving gene family that has greatly expanded in Aedes mosquitoes, vectors of important human pathogenic viruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya virus. This PIWI gene expansion suggests new functions compared to animals with a more restricted set of PIWI genes. Indeed, the piRNA pathway of mosquitoes has been implicated in gene regulation, control of transposable elements, germline integrity, and antiviral defense. However, the functions of the highly diverse piRNA pathway in vivo are largely unexplored, largely due to lack of advanced tools to robustly inactivate gene expression in a tissue-specific or inducible manner.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conducting research to elucidate functions of the piRNA pathway in mosquitoes in vivo.
• Effectively collaborate with other team members.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting results at (inter)national conferences.
• Supervising students during research internships.

Place of work

You will work in the Laboratory of Experimental Virology in the department of Medical Microbiology of Radboud University Medical Center under supervision of Prof. Ronald van Rij. The laboratory is affiliated with the Research Institute for Medical Innovation, which provides an excellent environment for innovative science and offers access to state-of-the-art core facilities, including cellular imaging, proteomics, and genomics.

The project is part of a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant-funded project, which involves multiple PhD students/postdocs working on complimentary projects. We are dedicated to provide a social, dynamic, and stimulating work environment. Please visit Van Rij Lab for more information.

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.

Profile

You have a PhD degree in molecular biology and hands-on experience in insect genetics. Experience with working with viruses at the biosafety level 3 is recommended, prior training is preferred but not required. You have a good track record scientific publications. Furthermore you posses excellent communication skills and good command of spoken and written English.
 

Employment conditions

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 between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 172 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. (As of 1 January 2025, you will receive 176 vacation hours.) 
• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • A 40% discount on a sports membership of the Radboud Sports Center.
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• As of 1 October 2024: an allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.35 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 13 September 2024. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place on 23 September 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 send an email to Prof. Ronald van Rij. Use the Apply button to submit your application. Along with your motivation letter and cv, please send contact information of at least two scientific references.