Postdoc 'an organoid-based cell therapy for conjunctival disease'
Updated: 18 Jan 2025
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in developing an organoid-based cell therapy for conjunctival disease. Our ultimate goal is to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial to establish proof-of-concept for this novel therapy.
Job description
Untreated ocular surface disease presents a significant threat to vision. For instance, pterygium, a common condition characterized by abnormal conjunctival growth, can extend over the cornea and impair vision. While conjunctival autografts are used to repair defects following pterygium removal, this approach has notable limitations. Recurring pterygium further complicates treatment, making autografts less successful or even unfeasible, leaving patients without effective therapeutic options.
In collaboration with Hans Clevers’ organoid lab, we have developed a promising alternative: a cell therapy that replaces conjunctival autografts. Using a robust in vitro protocol, we can culture autologous conjunctival organoids from small patient biopsies (Bannier-Hélaouët et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2024). We have also established a method for transplanting cell sheets and completed a preclinical in vivo study in a relevant animal model, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach in repairing conjunctival damage.
With support from Biotech Booster (www.biotechbooster.nl), we are now advancing toward GMP translation and a first-in-human clinical study.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in this endeavour, with responsibilities both inside and outside the lab (approximately 40/60 split). Core tasks include supporting the GMP adaptation of the research-grade protocol, preparing regulatory documentation, designing the clinical study, analyzing data, and project management. In the lab, the researcher will perform experiments to characterize the conjunctival organoid grafts, enhance our understanding of cell identity, and identify new quality indicators. Additionally, approximately 5% of their time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.
Requirements
Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical sciences, cell biology, etc.) or have equivalent experience demonstrating an affinity for this topic, even if their educational background is in a different field.
This is a milestone-driven project that is suited for a candidate passionate about conducting translational research. Scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing is required, and knowledge of Dutch is not necessary.
If you apply, we will ask you to briefly describe your experience or expertise in the following areas:
- Cell culture (including organoids);
- Cell/molecular biology;
- Cell therapy or translational research;
- Project management.
Please note that prior experience in eye/vision research is not a requirement. Periodic travel to our clinical trial site in Utrecht (~2.5 hrs by public transport) will be required (travel costs will be reimbursed).
What we offer
As a Postdoc at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
- Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 - 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3378,00 and €6209,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
- An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE, which will be extended by 1 year upon a positive evaluation.
- At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
- As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
- Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.
Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.
Click here for more information about UM.
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.
In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).
FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.
Department
The successful candidate will benefit from a cross-disciplinary supervision team comprising Vanessa LaPointe (MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University) and Mor Dickman (Department of Ophthalmology, UMC Utrecht).
The research will be conducted in Dr LaPointe’s laboratory at the MERLN Institute, Maastricht University (www.lapointelab.com). At MERLN (www.merlninstitute.com), we foster a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment with expertise spanning biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and cell biology. Our team shares state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, creating an ideal setting for cutting-edge research and innovation.
Applying from abroad?
MERLN hosts researchers from around the globe who have successfully navigated the transition to living in the Netherlands. Maastricht University, recognized as the most international university in the Netherlands. With its high-quality research and education, alongside a strong commitment to social engagement, Maastricht University has established itself as one of the world’s top young universities.
Located in the heart of Europe, Maastricht is a charming and welcoming city. Known for its fine cuisine, excellent shopping, and multicultural atmosphere, the city offers a unique international community. As the founding city of the European Union, Maastricht is home to residents from all over the world, and English is widely spoken, contributing to its vibrant global character. Thanks to its central location, Maastricht is just a short drive from Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and other parts of the Netherlands. The city is family-friendly, offering an international school and several excellent primary schools.
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr Vanessa LaPointe at v.lapointe@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.
Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc? Apply now, no later than February 12, 2025 for this position.
Please attach a CV and answer the questions in the application. Do not include any additional documents (e.g., cover letter, references, diplomas, etc.) as they will not be considered.
Application timeline
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in brief video interviews. Those advancing to the second round will attend either an in-person interview or an extended video call. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The start date for this position is flexible; however, our preference is to begin as soon as possible.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
38 hours per week
P. Debyelaan 25