Postdoc – iPSC technology to discover targeted therapy for Nrf2 antioxidant response modulation.

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The Faculty of Science and the Division of Drug Discovery and Safety is looking for a:

Postdoc – iPSC technology to discover targeted therapy for Nrf2 antioxidant response modulation.
Vacancynumber: 22-294

Key responsibilities 
Cellular stress response pathways are activated in various diseases, including acute ischemia reperfusion injury of liver and kidney, or during neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. These stress response pathways involve oxidative stress, unfolded protein response, DNA damage and inflammatory signaling. Typically, these responses drive repair processes in cells and prevent ultimate cell death. Likewise, pharmacological modulation of these stress responses can enhance cellular adaptation and repair programs in various disease settings. Here we aim to establish a platform for drug discovery for therapeutic modulation of stress response pathways, with a focus on the Nrf2 antioxidant stress response. The postdoc will establish a panel of iPSC fluorescent reporter systems for critical Nrf2 target genes. These reporters lines will be differentiated into liver, kidney and neuronal cells and applied to a imaging-based screening workflow to uncover novel chemical entities that can protect cells against sustained oxidative stress. 

Selection Criteria 
•    PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Toxicology, (Bio)-pharmaceutical Sciences,
•    enthusiastic and ambitious
•    independent thinker
•    expertise in (human) stem cell culture, molecular and cell biology, microscopy, cell signaling
•    excellent writing skills
•    interest in bioinformatics
•    team player

Our faculty & Institute  
The Faculty of Science teaches more than 5,000 students in the context of 8 bachelor’s and 15 master’s programmes. Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students, staff, and support staff alike. The faculty is known for its friendly and team-spirited atmosphere, which promotes mutual exchange of knowledge. For more information, see https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl .

Terms and conditions  
We offer a full-time, 1 year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 2 years based on performance. Salary range from € 2.846 to € 4.490 gross per month (pay scale 10, depending on experience), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). We aim to employ more women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore especially invited to apply.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to Prof. Bob van de Water ([email protected] ; +31-71-5276223) and Dr. Peter Bouwman ([email protected] ; +31-71-5276105). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the secretariat of the Division of Drug Discovery & Safety, Marjolijn Lugthart ([email protected] ; +31-71-5276270). Information about the faculty of science can be found at  https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl/index.php/english/   and about Leiden University at https://www.vacancies.leiden.edu/  

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to Prof. Bob van de Water ([email protected] ), Dr. Sylvia Le Dévédec ([email protected] ), and Marjolijn Lugthart ([email protected] ). Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
-    motivation letter
-    Curriculum Vitae
-    preferably 2 reference letters
Only applications received before 13 June 2022 can be considered.
Interviews will take place on 20 and 21 June 2022.

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