Postdoc Position in Gene Therapy Development for Inherited Retinal Degeneration

This project is part of the Lifelong VISION Gravitation project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (2024- 2033), and will develop new treatments to combat blindness.

Blindness is one of the most disabling medical conditions and can have many causes. In young people, inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are the leading cause of irreversible blindness, while in older adults, age-related macular degeneration is common. The Lifelong VISION program is developing new treatments to prevent blindness, including genetic therapies, disease-targeting treatments, and cell therapies. We will create advanced cell (e.g., organoid) and animal models to test these therapies both in the lab and in living organisms. Our goal is to match the right patient with the right treatment at the right time. The innovative methods developed for eye diseases may also benefit treatments for other diseases and organs.

Ten research institutions participate in the Lifelong VISION project, led by Prof. Caroline Klaver (Erasmus MC and Radboudumc), including Amsterdam UMC, Radboudumc, Erasmus MC, University of Twente, Hubrecht Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Tilburg University, and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

This work is part of Pillar 1 of the Lifelong VISION project, focused on designing and improving gene-based therapies for IRD patients. These therapies mainly target patients whose retinal cells are still intact but not functioning properly, aiming to ‘revive’ them. Although the large variety of genetic mutations in IRDs makes therapy development challenging, it also allows for highly specific treatments tailored to each patient’s genetic defect by addressing the root cause of the disease.

As a postdoc, you will lead research efforts to optimize therapeutic viral (AAV) and non-viral (e.g. synthetic nanoparticles based on lipids and/or peptides) vectors to test gene replacement and CRISPR/Cas-based (e.g. PRIME editing) for IRDs. You will:

• Explore and optimize AAV serotypes, promoters and enhancers for efficient gene delivery in retinal organoids and animal models;
• Develop and test non-viral delivery systems for gene therapy;
• Use in vitro (retinal organoids) and in vivo (rat and zebrafish) models to evaluate safety and efficacy;
• Optimize delivery strategies for precise targeting within the retina;
• Collaborate closely with experts in ophthalmology, genetics and biotechnology.

In parallel to your Postdoc trajectory, a PhD student will be appointed for four years in the same field at the same department, who can potentiate your research.
In case of completion of a successful Postdoc period, our group and Amsterdam UMC offer excellent opportunities for further career steps.

You have a PhD in molecular cell biology, gene technology or a related field. You are creative, independent and eager to work in a multidisciplinary environment. You also bring:

• Hands-on experience in basic molecular cell biological techniques;
• Hands-on in vivo (mouse or rat) experience;
• Creative and independent mindset;
• Capable of working in multidisciplinary environments;
• Fluency in English.

Not required, but helpful:

• Experience with gene editing approaches;
• Experience working with stem cells and differentiation protocols;
• Article 9 permit;
• Hands-on experience using AAVs and/or nanoparticle technology;
• Experience guiding PhD students and/or master/HLO/MLO students;
• Willingness to learn Dutch.