PhD candidate 'Human iPSC neuronal platform for neurodevelopmental disorders'

We are looking for a PhD candidate 'Human iPSC neuronal platform for neurodevelopmental disorders' to perform research on the development of anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders at the Human Genetics Department at the Radboudumc in Nijmegen.

Approximately 1% of children are born with severe neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) for which there is currently no disease-modifying therapy. However, because NDDs are frequently caused by identifiable pathogenic mutations, a unique therapeutic opportunity has emerged from recent developments in molecular biology, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of this group of disorders. We developed an in vitro model to investigate neuronal development, by differentiating hiPSCs into excitatory neurons (iNeurons) and forebrain organoids. We will use patient-derived hiPSCs to model several NDDs that are amenable for ASO therapy. The candidate will develop ASO therapies, and test the efficacy at the molecular and functional level. The functional phenotyping will employ measurements using state or the art high-density microelectrode arrays (MEAs) on 2-dimensional neuronal networks as well as on early developmental stages of brain organoids.

The project is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration within a consortium financed by the ZonMW PSIDER program. The candidate will closely interact with research groups of Prof. Elgersma, Prof. Kushner, dr. de Vrij at Erasmus Rotterdam and Prof. Aartsma, Prof. Room in Leiden. In Nijmegen the research will be located at the Human genetics Department (Nadif Kasri group) and embedded in the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour of the Radboud University Medical Center.

Our research team at the Radboud university medical center is renowned for its genetic, molecular and electrophysiological research in the field of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Over the past years we have developed unique knowledge and resources, such as the human (patient) induced pluripotent stem cell lines, including the required experimental platforms for in-detail assessment of the derived human neuronal in-vitro network models.

Tasks and responsibilities

• The PhD student will be responsible for generating patient and isogenic hIPSC cell lines for several NDDs
• Designs and performs scientific research
• Works in a team with PhD students, scientists and clinicians
• Discusses, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment
• Works in a highly international research group and is willing to travel to other institutes within Europe.