Research position: Precision Medicine for Channelopathy-Related Childhood Epilepsies

1. Introduction

Are you interested in performing electrophysiological recordings in human cells? Join the innovative, multidisciplinary teams at the Donders Institute and contribute to uncovering the mechanisms behind brain diseases.

2. Job description

Ion channel mutations can lead to a broad range of diseases (channelopathies), including various forms of severe childhood epilepsy. As part of their diagnosis, children with severe epilepsy are often screened for mutations. However, the functional consequence of an identified pathogenic mutation is in many cases unknown. The aim of this project is to provide a state-of-the-art protein-drug interaction dataset for key ion channel genes that serves as input for an innovative simulation model. The results will contribute to a much needed precision treatment of ion channel deficiencies that cause childhood epilepsies.

You will generate a dataset of electrophysiological recordings from genetically manipulated human cells that each express one key ion channel. You will assess how anti-epileptic drugs interact with those ion channels. These data will be integrated in a computational model fromd the startup company Synaptica that can simulate how genetically manipulated neuronal cells respond to drug treatments. The Synaptica model will generate predictions on the efficacy of polytherapy strategies to treat genetic ion channel deficiencies. Finally, you will test the validity of these predictions in cultured human neuronal cells that are genetically manipulated towards epilepsy. You will work closely with other experienced researchers and you will also have the opportunity to supervise students on the project.

You will be part of the Wierenga lab and join our collaborative research team at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN). In addition, you will also work closely with researchers at Synaptica, located in a neighbouring building on the Radboud University campus.

3. Profile

• You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented individual with a particular interest in neurobiology and a positive can-do attitude.
• You have an MSc or PhD degree in neurobiology or a related research field.
• You have experience with or are willing to learn performing cell culture and electrophysiology experiments.
• Affinity with data analysis and computer programming is an advantage but not essential as you will have the opportunity to learn from Synaptica researchers.
• You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills.
• You demonstrate integrity and positivity and motivate others to do the same.  

4. We are

Our research team is a diverse team of international scientists using a combination of two-photon microscopy, electrophysiology and molecular techniques to study how the brain works. Most of our research focuses on synaptic physiology, which includes interactions with ion channels, and its role in brain development and disease. The Wierenga lab is embedded within the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN) at the Faculty of Science of Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). DCN is part of the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, a world-class interfaculty neuroscience institute with a lively and interactive culture housing more than 800 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the brain.

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as 'excellent' and recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. 

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1 year.
• Your salary within salary scale 5 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Corette Wierenga. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place in the first week of March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 April 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.