Roland Brock

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.

Radboud University Medical Center is recruiting a Postdoc for a project on targeted oligonucleotide delivery in inflammatory kidney diseases in Nijmegen, Netherlands . The project focuses on application-oriented development of cellular targeting strategies for antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, and mRNA , with an emphasis on coupling oligonucleotides to targeting ligands, optimizing analytical and coupling protocols, and evaluating activity and toxicity in preclinical models. The successful candidate will independently design, perform, and analyze experiments aimed at improving cellular targeting and advancing formulations toward late-stage preclinical development. The position is based in the Targeted Nanomedicines group of Prof. Dr. Roland Brock at Radboudumc, in close collaboration with Mercurna B.V. , a biotech company developing targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory kidney disease. The collaboration is local and coordinated closely in Nijmegen. Research keywords: oligonucleotide delivery, targeted nanomedicines, inflammatory kidney disease, biomolecular conjugation, mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, confocal microscopy, preclinical development. Eligibility highlights: experience with biomolecular conjugation strategies and analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and dynamic light scattering is expected; standard biochemical and cell biological skills are also required. Confocal microscopy experience is desirable. Applicants should be able to work independently, understand process optimization and standardization, and document protocols carefully. A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required. Funding and contract: fixed-term employment for 18 months (1.5 years), starting 1 October 2026, with a later start date possible. Salary is listed at €3,724–€5,867 (scale 10), plus standard employment benefits. Application deadline: 15 September 2026. How to apply: submit the application form on the vacancy page and upload your CV and cover letter. Optional supporting documents can also be added.