In het kort
Working Environment
The European Research Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA) is a research institute within the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). ERIBA aims to discover molecular mechanisms of ageing that can be used as targets to prevent or delay age-related diseases. Our research teams are working with different model systems and technology platforms and share their knowledge and expertise to accelerate discoveries. Furthermore, we heavily invest in Systems Biology to integrate our findings in the various mechanisms of ageing that have been proposed. ERIBA is part of the central UMCG campus in central Groningen, a vibrant student town (with over 25,000 students) in the northern Netherlands. PhD students are enrolled in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences of the University of Groningen.
Job description
Cellular senescence is a complex tumor-suppressive mechanism induced by many different stresses. Senescent cells are characterized by growth arrest, changes in morphology and gene expression, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, proteases and other molecules that can alter the tissue microenvironment (a phenomenon termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype or SASP). Senescent cells increase with age and are evident at sites of numerous age-related pathologies and pre-cancerous lesions. This notion led to the identification of various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical strategies to interfere with the detriment of senescent cells. Recent results from our laboratory has shown that senescent cells are heterogeneous and are differentially vulnerable to immune-mediated clearance. We have identified novel key mechanisms related to senescent cells persistence and to the immunological response to their induction.
The proposed project aims to validate the newly discovered mechanisms for senescent cells persistence in tissues. In parallel, we will study whether modulation of immune responses can lead selective senescent cells elimination and improves frailty and age-related dysfunction in mouse models. In addition, we will analyse datasets and samples derived from human cohorts, and search for correlation between health/disease and the newly discovered immunity-related mechanisms.
Requirements
The postdoc will be part of a young and enthusiastic research group and should have the following requirements:
- required education: PhD in Molecular/Cellular/Medical Biology or Immunology;
- experience in a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR, FACS, Western blots, histology, imaging);
- strong knowledge of immunology;
- experience working with mouse models (Article 9 is a plus);
- successful PhD trajectory with at least one first authorship;
- should be enthusiastic, ambitious, and organized;
- collaborative, communication and networking skills are mandatory.
The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.
Conditions of employment
The conditions of employment meet the Collective Labor Agreement of Medical Centers (CAO-UMC). The employment basis is for three years, with a temporary contract for one year and possible extension for extra two years. The starting salary is dependent on experience and is scaled in 10 (max gross salary € 5.504 based on a full-time position). In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).
It concerns a full-time appointment (36 h/week) for a period of three years. After one year, the performance of the candidate will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to extend with two extra years. Additional extensions are likely and will be discussed in due time.
More information
For more information see our site or contact Marco Demaria at [email protected].
Additional information
Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 1 September 2024.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.
Digital application form
