Postdoc m/f | Molecular Cell Biology : Leiden, Netherlands

The position

As a Postdoc in the Department of Molecular Cell Biology, you will work in a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary research team studying the molecular basis of subverted TGF-β signal transduction in cardiovascular biology.

The project

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatally progressive form of PH with characteristic changes in small lung arteries. PH almost invariably leads to right heart failure and death. Mutations in the BMP type II receptor are responsible for 80% of heritable PAH cases, yet deregulation of BMP signalling also occurs in non-hereditary forms of PAH. BMP is frequently antagonized by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We hypothesize that an imbalance in TGF-β and BMP signalling and a vicious circle of alterations in pulmonary blood flow velocity and pressure are at the basis of vascular remodelling in all types of PH.

Our aim is to break the vicious circle in a multidisciplinary approach in which patient and preclinical material is used to characterize altered TGF-β/BMP signalling and pulmonary vascular remodelling. Genetic approaches will be used to identify key regulators and targets of BMP/TGF- receptor and Smad signalling in vascular cells. Specific small molecule drugs will be identified to normalize the TGF-β/BMP imbalance and tested in preclinical models.

The department

You will work within the Vascular Biology/Signal Transduction team of the Department of Molecular Cell Biology. The team is interested in unravelling mechanisms by which TGF-β family members elicit their multifunctional cellular effects and how perturbation in their signal transduction pathways contribute to diseases.

The present focus within our group is on: 1) the identification of novel critical ubiquitin and deubiquitin ligase regulators of the TGF-β family signalling pathways; 2) how TGF-β family receptor signalling specificity is regulated; and 3) interplay with Wnt and other signalling pathways. Our long term aim is to translate our findings for the development of novel treatments.

Your profile

You hold a recent PhD and have a strong background in biochemistry and molecular cell biology. Experience in signal transduction is required and you should have reported and published the results of your studies in high impact scientific journals and at international conferences. You must be a highly motivated and experimentally talented scientist with a drive to answer important fundamental and biomedical research questions. Applicants should send a cover letter with curriculum vitae, a description of research accomplishments and contact information for two references.

We offer

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for two years, possibly to be extended. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, with a maximum of € 4,030 gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).

More information

The full job description, as well as the options for applying can be found on the website of Leiden University Medical Center.

If you have any questions, of if you want more information about this position, please contact Professor Peter ten Dijke, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, telephone +31 (0)71 526 9271, email p.ten_dijke@lumc.nl.

How to apply

If you are interested in the above position, and you meet the profile requirements, we welcome your application. You may apply by letter or by email. It goes without saying that your application will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Applying by email

Send an e-mail, stating your reasons for applying and including your CV, to PenO-div4@lumc.nl. Clearly state the job number of the job you are applying for. You can include annexes with your e-mail (for example, your CV), provided they are in MS Word format….