Post doc Development of nanocarrier systems for SCA1 RNA therapy

Working Environment

The Department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology (BBT) at the UMCG is a multidisciplinary research department that focuses on improving healthcare, from diagnosis to the treatment of diseases. Around 100 international employees work at BBT, divided over 8 research groups and 3 research lines. Working in the Drug Delivery research group within this department offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of new therapies for brain disorders. You will be part of a dynamic team led by Prof. Inge Zuhorn, working closely with Dr. Ronald Buijsen (Human Genetics, LUMC). This collaboration offers excellent opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional growth. You will be part of an enthusiastic research group that conducts clinically oriented research.

Job description

A 2-year post doc position is available in the research group of Prof. Dr. Inge Zuhorn at the Department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology (BBT) at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). The project is funded by the Brain Foundation. As a post doc on this project, you will perform groundbreaking research into a better treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disorder. You delve into the world of RNA therapy and develop drug delivery systems for the safe and efficient delivery of antisense oligonucleotides to the brain. You will work on a potential treatment in a dynamic, internationally oriented team, a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the improvement of patient lives, while working with top researchers in a stimulating academic environment.
What are you going to do
As a post doc on this project, you are responsible for developing nanocarrier systems for RNA-targeted therapy for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a treatment that inhibits the production of the ATXN1 protein.
Your top 2 tasks are:
- Produce and characterize nanocarriers for intravenous and intrathecal delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Possible delivery strategies include peptide-conjugates, LNPs, polymeric micelles, nanogels.
- Test the stability of the different ASO-nanocarriers; knockdown efficiency in neuronal cells and organoids; blood-brain barrier (BBB) passage; and, circulation time.

Requirements

As an ideal candidate for this position, you are an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher with a goal-oriented attitude who enjoys working in a dynamic multidisciplinary team. You are flexible (also with respect to working hours), have strong communication skills and strive to work accurately and independently. You adapt easily to new situations and are driven to further develop your knowledge and skills. You communicate clearly in both Dutch and English, both orally and in writing. Furthermore you have:
- A PhD degree in Nanotechnology, Materials science, Biology or a related field.
- Hands-on-experience with synthetic approaches and ability to develop synthetic approaches based on available literature.
- Hands-on experience with lipid-based and/or polymer-based nanocarrier synthesis and characterization; drug loading and analysis.
- Experience with cell culture, transfection, and confocal microscopy.
- Preferably experience with RNA therapies.

Conditions of employment

We offer a position for 2 years for 28,8 hours per week (0.8 FTE). The starting salary depends on your qualifications and relevant experience in scale 10 (max gross salary € 5.669 per month based on a full-time position). In addition, the UMCG offers 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).
More information
Zuhorn lab
BBT department
Groningen city
Application procedure
Complete applications, including a CV and motivation letter in a single PDF file, along with two references (including phone number and email address), will be considered if received before November 16, 2025. The top candidates will be selected for an interview.

Additional information

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 16 November 2025. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.
Digital application form