Caroline Klaver

PhD candidate position at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands on targeted oligonucleotide delivery in inherited retinal diseases . The project sits at the intersection of biology , medical science , biomedical engineering , chemistry , and computer science , with a strong translational focus on developing new treatments for blindness. The PhD will be embedded in two research groups led by Prof. Rob Collin (Department of Human Genetics) and Prof. Roland Brock (Department of Medical Biosciences). The work includes AI-based protein design and modeling, recombinant protein expression and purification, retinal cell culture and retinal organoid models, confocal fluorescence microscopy, tissue-on-a-chip systems, nanoparticle formulation, and chemical conjugation strategies for oligonucleotide delivery. The position is part of the Lifelong VISION consortium, a large Dutch national project funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (2024–2033) aimed at developing genetic therapies, pathway-targeting treatments, and cell therapies for blindness. The consortium includes multiple Dutch research institutions and offers a broad multidisciplinary environment. Applicants should have a background in Biomedical Sciences and/or Molecular Life Sciences . Experience with tissue culture, microscopy, and protein structure is considered a strength. The role also requires initiative, proactive communication, and ownership of the project. A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required. This is a 4-year fixed-term PhD employment with a listed salary of €3,217–€4,077 (scale 10A). The vacancy closes on 2026-09-13 . Interviews are expected in the second half of September 2026, with second interviews in the first half of October 2026.