ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life-changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 130 enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cell’s own editing machinery. Axiomer® RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), which is machinery present in all human cells to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.
ProQR is currently looking for a (Sr.) Scientist RNA-protein interactions (full time) to join the Axiomer Innovation Department. The Axiomer Innovation Department is responsible for the discovery, validation and in vitro pharmacodynamics research of our oligo candidates.
Location: Leiden, NL
The role:
As a member of our Axiomer unit, you will contribute to the development of our Axiomer platform technology. In collaboration with other multi-disciplinary team members, you will use your expertise in several projects to characterize the intracellular interactions of EONs, and further optimize their properties. You will be involved in day-to-day lab activities, as well as in the planning and reporting of studies. Furthermore, you will provide input on how to develop and prioritize future research projects. To succeed in this role, you need to proactively employ your scientific expertise, and also be able to communicate your ideas and needs effectively to the relevant colleagues with different scientific backgrounds.
We expect our (Sr.) Scientist to have:
- An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in molecular biology or another relevant field, preferably with a focus on intracellular oligonucleotide or RNA trafficking
- 0-4 years of post-doctoral experience either in academia or within the Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry, preferably with a focus on intracellular oligonucleotide or RNA trafficking
- In-depth experience in the following fields:
- Trafficking of oligonucleotide-protein and/or RNA-protein complexes between intracellular compartments (including the nucleus, cytoplasm, and the vesicular or non-vesicular subcompartments)
- Characterization of interactions forming RNA-protein complexes, in particular, phase-separated bodies
- Hands-on experience in using and developing methods to study the above within cells as well as by biochemical methods (e.g. cell work, microscopy, single-molecule methods, IP-MS)
Additional skills that are considered beneficial:
- Experience in the field of RNA editing, in particular, A-to-I editing by ADARs
- Experience in RNA modulation mediated by chemically modified oligonucleotides
- Experience with working in a project-based environment with multidisciplinary teams
Skills and competencies that are required for making the difference:
- Strong scientific curiosity, creativity, and vision
- Facilitating personal and team success
- Being able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong project planning and management skills
- Critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills
- Keeping up with the scientific and technical development of the field
- Accurate reporting and scientific writing skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Pro-active and pragmatic self-starter, with a result-oriented mindset
- Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
- A nice person :-)
ProQR as an employer
As an employer, we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves, personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people, working well together in an environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal and awesome things.
We are committed to ensure that no employee, candidate or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.
We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:
- A competitive salary
- 8% holiday allowance
- 30 vacation days
- An annual performance bonus
- Stock options
- A premium-free pension plan
- A commuting allowance
- A subsidized staff restaurant
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee events (boot camp, Hipster café and other social events)
Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission? If so, we’re looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.
You can contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.
Please note that screening is part of our selection procedure.
