Postdoc

The liver develops during embryogenesis and continues to grow after birth until it reaches an appropriate size that ensures adequate functional liver capacity in relation to body size. Moreover, the liver has the unique capability to regenerate after injury, e.g. after partial hepatectomy. This regenerative capacity is crucial for preserving its size and, subsequently, maintaining body homeostasis. However, chronic liver damage, which results in persistent loss of hepatocytes, can lead to detrimental outcomes. For example, the emerging metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can progress to end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Numerous studies have established that the pathways coordinating postnatal liver development are also involved in liver regeneration and cancer development. However, the precise mechanisms coordinating these different biological processes and how they are linked remain incompletely understood. This project aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern postnatal liver growth and to elucidate their potential contributions to liver regeneration and HCC.

Specifically, in this project, we will use state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical tools, such as CRISPR technology, combined with innovative mouse models, to elucidate basic principles by which a key protein complex within the endosomal network governs postnatal liver maturation, liver regeneration, and liver cancer. In addition, we will elucidate how cholesterol metabolism contributes to these different processes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of liver biology research and cholesterol metabolism, with access to cutting-edge tools and a collaborative research environment

Working environment

A postdoc position for 3 years is available in the research group of Prof. Bart van de Sluis. The postdoc will be supervised by Prof. Bart van de Sluis. The van de Sluis lab aims to understand the molecular regulation of the endosomal protein sorting machinery and assess the physiological role of this machinery in cholesterol metabolism and cell proliferation. In my lab, we use a combination of cellular and experimental mouse models and use this knowledge to diagnose and treat diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and atherosclerosis. The research group is embedded in the Laboratory of Pediatrics of the Department of Pediatrics of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. The Laboratory of Pediatrics brings together a wealth of expertise and know-how in metabolic and liver research. More information about the Laboratory of Pediatrics can be found on our website.

What do we need

The Postdoc will be part of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research group and will work in close collaboration with different members of the Laboratory of Pediatrics. The candidate should have the following requirements:

• A PhD degree in (bio)medical science
• Proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques, including but not limited to cell culture, CRISPR, FACS analysis, and microscopy
• An enthusiastic and ambitious team player.
• Previous experience with bioinformatics and cellular models is a pre.
• Experience with animal models (Article 9 of the Experiments on Animals Act) is required.
• Able to express oneself in English in words and writing.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Provide at least two references.

What do we offer

A full-time appointment for three years (36 hours a week). Your salary will be a maximum of € 5.504,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

For questions about the position

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