Job title:
Postdoc ‘an organoid-based cell therapy for conjunctival disease’
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in developing an organoid-based cell therapy for conjunctival disease. Our ultimate goal is to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial to establish proof-of-concept for this novel therapy.Job description
Untreated ocular surface disease presents a significant threat to vision. For instance, pterygium, a common condition characterized by abnormal conjunctival growth, can extend over the cornea and impair vision. While conjunctival autografts are used to repair defects following pterygium removal, this approach has notable limitations. Recurring pterygium further complicates treatment, making autografts less successful or even unfeasible, leaving patients without effective therapeutic options.In collaboration with Hans Clevers’ organoid lab, we have developed a promising alternative: a cell therapy that replaces conjunctival autografts. Using a robust in vitro protocol, we can culture autologous conjunctival organoids from small patient biopsies (Bannier-Hélaouët et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2024). We have also established a method for transplanting cell sheets and completed a preclinical in vivo study in a relevant animal model, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach in repairing conjunctival damage.With support from Biotech Booster ( ), we are now advancing toward GMP translation and a first-in-human clinical study.The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in this endeavour, with responsibilities both inside and outside the lab (approximately 40/60 split). Core tasks include supporting the GMP adaptation of the research-grade protocol, preparing regulatory documentation, designing the clinical study, analyzing data, and project management. In the lab, the researcher will perform experiments to characterize the conjunctival organoid grafts, enhance our understanding of cell identity, and identify new quality indicators. Additionally, approximately 5% of their time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.Requirements
Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical sciences, cell biology, etc.) or have equivalent experience demonstrating an affinity for this topic, even if their educational background is in a different field.This is a milestone-driven project that is suited for a candidate passionate about conducting translational research. Scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing is required, and knowledge of Dutch is not necessary.If you apply, we will ask you to briefly describe your experience or expertise in the following areas:
- Cell culture (including organoids);
- Cell/molecular biology;
- Cell therapy or translational research;
- Project management.
Please note that prior experience in eye/vision research is not a requirement. Periodic travel to our clinical trial site in Utrecht (~2.5 hrs by public transport) will be required (travel costs will be reimbursed).What we offer
As a Postdocat the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
- Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 – 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3378,00 and €6209,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
- An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE, which will be extended by 1 year upon a positive evaluation.
- At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
- As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
- Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, .Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.for more information about UM.Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of and master’s programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in ourWhere to apply WebsiteRequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Maastricht University Country Netherlands City Maastricht Postal Code 6229HX Street P. Debyelaan 25 GeofieldContact CityMaastricht WebsiteStreetMinderbroedersberg 4 Postal Code6211 LKSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page
Expected salary
Location
Maastricht, Limburg
Job date
Sat, 18 Jan 2025 04:38:55 GMT
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