The PhD student wil take part in a project that aims to identify genes that determine the response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This project is part of a collaboration between the department of Human Genetics and the department of Rheumatology.

• Uses and designs diverse molecular and statistical approaches for gene identification
• Works in a team with other scientists and will supervise undergraduate students
• The project will be completed with a dissertation

Requirements

MSc in Biomedical Sciences, (Medical) Biology

• Experience with molecular biological techniques
• Affinity with statistical analysis of genetic (association) studies
• Independent and enthusiastic work attitude
• Fluent in speaking/writing English

Additional information about the job:

Treatment with agents blocking tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF therapy) results in a reduction of disease activity in most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, 30% of the patients do not respond to this therapy. The reasons for this non-response are unknown, but are thought to be of genetic and environmental nature.

The overall aim is the identification of biomarkers predicting the response to anti-TNF therapy in RA patients, starting from the results of hypothesis-generating approaches and working towards the mode of action of individual biomarkers. Three unique genome-wide datasets on differences between responders and non-responders to anti-TNF treatment at the level of the genome, transcriptome and proteome form the basis of this project. This data set gives us the opportunity to be the first to extend the research into the identification of biomarkers for anti-TNF treatment towards the ‘systems-biology’ level and characterization of mechanisms underlying anti-TNF response.
The multifaceted approach will not only result in the identification and characterization of biomarkers, but will also lead to insight into the working mechanisms of anti-TNF therapy.

References

1. Toonen EJ, Barrera P, Radstake TR, van Riel PL, Scheffer H, Franke B, Coenen MJ.
   Gene expression profiling in rheumatoid arthritis: current concepts and future directions.
   Ann Rheum Dis. 2008 Dec;67(12):1663-9.
2. Coenen MJ, Toonen EJ, Scheffer H, Radstake TR, Barrera P, Franke B.
   Pharmacogenetics of anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
   Pharmacogenomics. 2007 Jul;8(7):761-73.
3. Toonen EJ, Coenen MJ, Kievit W, Fransen J, Eijsbouts AM, Scheffer H, Radstake TR, Creemers MC, de Rooij DJ, van Riel PL, Franke B, Barrera P.
   The tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1b 676T>G polymorphism in relation to response to infliximab and adalimumab treatment and disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis.
   Ann Rheum Dis. 2008 Aug;67(8):1174-7.

Organization

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre , Human Genetics

The Department of Human Genetics provides counseling and diagnostics for patients with inherited and acquired diseases. The research groups perform cutting-edge studies to investigate the relationship between genes and diseases, in particular cancer, deafness, blindness, mental retardation, and congenital abnormalities. State-of-the-art facilities are available for sequence-, gene scan-, linkage-, and microarray analyses.

Conditions of employment

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 – 3000
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 36

Additional conditions of employment:
Salary level 10A: maximal € 2572 gross per month

Additional Information

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Mw. Dr. M. Coenen, postdoc
Telephone number: (024) 361 7752

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

http://www.umcn.nl/

Application

You can apply for this job before 13-01-2009 by sending your application to:

UMC St Radboud
833 CUKZ
S. Hurenkamp-Gorsselink, HRM counselor
PO Box 9101
6500 HB Nijmegen
The Netherlands
E-mail address: cukzsecretariaatPO@cukz.umcn.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT 09100.