Brain disorders affect over 25% of people worldwide and many remain untreated not only due to the lack of drug transport to the brain, but also due to the lack of effective compounds.
Here we combine the recent discovery of new targets for dementia and engineering of specific drug delivery devices. You will perform fundamental research to engineer brain derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) that enable the transport of small RNA molecules across the blood-brain barrier in vitro using established assays and study mechanisms thereof. Altered expression of transporter molecules under pathological conditions will be validated using in vitro assays and post-mortem patient brain tissue analysis. Next, uptake of selected EVs will be tested for their in vitro effect on neuronal function.
This project will cover mainly experimental work in order to modify brain derived EVs, study their transport across the disease affected BBB and define their uptake in disease affected neurons in vitro.
Profile
We are looking for a highly driven, motivated and enthusiastic researcher with:
- A PhD in a field related to biomedical molecular sciences and neuroscience;
- Affinity for neuroscience;
- Interest in high-dimensional technologies and pushing the boundaries of research through technology-driven applications;
- Experience with in vitro models, extracellular vesicle research and iPSC technology is a plus;
- You have a flexible, pro-active team spirit but you can also work independently;
- Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Willingness/openness to collaborate with (inter)national researchers.
The intended start date for the project is October 1st 2022. The position is for 3 years. We first offer a fixed term contract for 1 year, which under normal circumstances will be prolonged with 2 years. We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.
This project incorporates fundamental research questions as well as translational applications in in vitro models and patient material. This project will be performed at the Neuro-immunology research group at the Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (location VUmc; O|2 Lab Building) of prof. Elga de Vries and at the Exosome research group of dr. Michiel Pegtel of the Department of Pathology cancer center Amsterdam in collaboration with the group of dr. Ruud Toonen of the CNCR and dr. Vivi Heine and the company Prediction Biosciences.
The project is funded by a grant from Topconsortium Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) and is embedded in the Amsterdam Neuroscience research institute.
You will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, cell biology, neuroscience and neurological diseases. Research within the department Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology is performed in a stimulating environment and at an international high competitive level.
If you are interested in this job and you meet the requirements in the job profile, we encourage you to apply by sending a brief letter of introduction including motivation for this position, as well as your CV via the following link: Vacatures - Postdoc in drug delivery - Amsterdam UMC. For more information about this position, you can contact prof.dr. Elga (HE) de Vries, via