Scientific Researcher level 3 at the Department of Pathology and Medical Biology

Closing date: April 27

Scientific Researcher level 3 at the Department of Pathology and Medical Biology

We are looking for a creative and independent colleague with extensive wet lab experience, a proven track record in molecular and/or cellular biology and preferably expertise in regenerative medicine or bioengineering. The ideal candidate is a post-doctoral or UD-level researcher with demonstrated independence in research, a collaborative and teaching-oriented mindset, with experience supervising PhD students. You will be expected to actively contribute to both teaching and scientific research by supporting ongoing projects while further developing your own research within the framework of the overarching research line.

Your role will include developing, employing and implementing advanced disease models to strengthen research within the Research line. Specifically, you will actively engage with the UMCG Health and Science Technology Campus Innovation Theme, including collaborations within the Health Technology and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC) and Organ-on-Chip (OoC) Facility. From your academic position, you will play an active connecting role, both within the department and with collaborating groups inside and outside UMCG.

You are an inspiring lecturer with strong teaching skills and in possession of the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO), or willing to obtain it in the near future. Your responsibilities will include training and supervision of Master’s projects and PhD students in the lab and teaching in several courses, including regenerative medicine. Teaching activities will comprise ~30% of the position.

Working environment

The researcher will be embedded within the staff of the Department of Pathology & Medical Biology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). The department consists of approximately 250 employees, who collectively strive to deliver top-level patient care, conduct innovative translational and applied research, offer state-of-the-art education, and demonstrate clinical and scientific leadership. The department holds a leading position nationally and internationally in molecular diagnostics, digital pathology and biomedical research, supported by high-quality infrastructure and facilities. In addition, it actively participates in the highly regarded educational curricula for medicine, dentistry, and biomedical sciences, and offers internships for higher professional (HBO) and secondary vocational (MBO) training programs.

The staff of the department includes 45 colleagues, among them 18 pathologists, 6 clinical molecular biologists, and 21 research staff members. Within the Research line “Translational Models of Tissue Damage and Regeneration”, the team consists of 4 staff members: two full professors, one associate professor and one assistant professor, with backgrounds in Biomedical Sciences and Immunology. This diverse and multidisciplinary team combines broad expertise with strong internal and external collaborations, including close links with the departments of Pulmonary Diseases, Intensive Care, Epidemiology, Molecular Pharmacology and Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology (BBT), as well as with many national and international research groups. The four PIs and their research groups focus on tissue damage and repair across a range of pathophysiological processes. Their shared objective is to perform innovative, translational and multidisciplinary research, aimed at improving our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of age-related chronic diseases.

The team works with great enthusiasm, commitment and dedication employing advanced cellular and molecular techniques. Central to this work is the use of human-derived, patient-specific 3D models that reflect the complexity of human tissues and their microenvironment, including organoids, organ-on-chip systems, and native human tissue-derived hydrogels. These models are validated and integrated with patient data through multi-omic approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics and advanced imaging, with the ultimate goal to elucidate disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases, including COPD, fibrosis and diabetes. A key element of the department’s mission is the transfer of knowledge and passion for research to the next generation, by educating, inspiring and mentoring talented young scientists.

What do we need

In summary, we are looking for a colleague with the following competencies:

• Post-doc/UD-level researcher with independent research experience and a collaborative, teaching-oriented mindset.
• Experience or strong affinity with wet lab work.
• Prepared to be supportive of the ongoing research within our research line, without the intention of pursuing a UHD/Professor position in the near future.
• Strong enthusiasm for teaching, including willingness to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) and an interest in innovating educational content and delivery.
• A supportive of integrative approach to the supervision and training of new PhD students.
• Expertise or a background in biology, disease mechanisms and/or bioengineering.
• Broad interest in pathophysiological processes and (healthy) ageing.
• Experience with, or interest in advanced culture and disease models applicable across research lines (e.g. lab-on-chip, 3D bioprinting, innovative healthcare, imaging/spatial analysis).

What do we offer

The Department of Pathology and Medical Biology offers a pleasant and supportive working environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and personal development. Based on your expertise and ambition, you will be given considerable freedom to further shape your career. The UMCG offers an attractive work environment with motived and engaged scientists, complemented with a strong package of primary and secondary employment benefits, including study and professional development arrangements.

This vacancy is for a 1 year with the possibility to extend to a permanent employment contract.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. This means that you must have built up sufficient resistance against Hepatitis B before you can be appointed.