Introduction
A 2-year post doc position is available in the research group of Prof. Dr. Inge Zuhorn at the Department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology (BBT) at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). The project is funded by the Brain Foundation. As a post doc on this project, you will perform groundbreaking research into a better treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disorder. You delve into the world of RNA therapy and develop drug delivery systems for the safe and efficient delivery of antisense oligonucleotides to the brain. You will work on a potential treatment in a dynamic, internationally oriented team, a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the improvement of patient lives, while working with top researchers in a stimulating academic environment.
What are you going to do
As a post doc on this project, you are responsible for developing nanocarrier systems for RNA-targeted therapy for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a treatment that inhibits the production of the ATXN1 protein.
Your top 2 tasks are:
- Produce and characterize nanocarriers for intravenous and intrathecal delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Possible delivery strategies include peptide-conjugates, LNPs, polymeric micelles, nanogels.
- Test the stability of the different ASO-nanocarriers; knockdown efficiency in neuronal cells and organoids; blood-brain barrier (BBB) passage; and, circulation time.