Postdoctoral Researcher in Telomere Biology and Pulmonary Fibrosis

A full-time postdoctoral position for a period of 3 years, preferably starting in January 2026.

Waarom kiezen voor deze baan?
Why choose this job?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating lung disease characterized by progressive scarring of the alveolar epithelium. Many patients carry mutations in genes responsible for telomere maintenance, leading to premature telomere shortening, cellular senescence and impaired tissue repair. There are currently no therapies that directly target the underlying telomere dysfunction driving the disease.

This postdoctoral project, “Telomerase activation and telomere dynamics in telomerase dysfunctional cells of patients with pulmonary fibrosis,” aims to unravel the chromosome-specific dynamics of telomere shortening and explore strategies to restore telomerase activity in telomerase-deficient cells. Ultimately, the study seeks to better understand telomere length alteration and establish patient-based cellular outcome assays for testing of therapeutic interventions.

This is a collaborative project combining expertise in pulmonary genetics, molecular biology and drug testing.

What are you going to do?
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to:

• Analyze telomere dynamics in fibroblasts and PBMCs from patients with pulmonary fibrosis and controls.
• Develop cell-based assays to assess and modulate telomerase functionality.
• Conduct targeted compound screens for telomerase activators and characterize their molecular effects.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists, technicians and clinicians. Furthermore, you will responsible for the experimental, analytical aspects of the project, as well as writing scientific publications

Jouw toekomstige werkplek
Your future workplace
You will become part of a motivated, multidisciplinary team of researchers within an official ministry-recognized center of excellence for pulmonary fibrosis. Our research group brings together the expertise of biomedical and molecular biologists, clinicians, laboratory technicians, and other life science professionals. Team spirit is at the heart of our work; we are flexible, supportive, and complement each other’s strengths.

The ILD Center of Excellence is nationally and internationally recognized for its specialized knowledge in pulmonary fibrosis. We conduct both fundamental scientific research and clinically applied studies, forming a vital bridge between the lab and patient care. Our research plays a key role in improving outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis; today and in the future.

Dit bieden we jou
This is what we offer

• A full-time postdoctoral position (36 hours/week) for a period of 3 years, preferably starting in January 2026.
• A gross monthly salary up to € 5.084,- for 36 hours/week (based on experience, FWG 55 scale, Dutch hospital CAO).
• Good secondary employment conditions, including a 13th month, a collective pension scheme and flexible employment benefits (e.g., bicycle, sports membership).
• A dynamic, international research environment with opportunities to present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Jouw talenten
Your talents
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent researcher who is passionate about translational molecular biology and telomere research.

You have:

• A PhD degree in (molecular) biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in cell culture and molecular assays (e.g., qPCR, NGS) and data interpretation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (proficiency in Dutch is an advantage).
• A collaborative and proactive mindset, with enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary team.

Werken bij het St. Antonius - met gezonde ambitie
Working at St. Antonius - with healthy ambition
At St. Antonius, you will work on (highly) complex care with your heart in the right place. We are a leading clinical teaching hospital where patient care, education, and research form the three solid pillars. Thanks to our size, we can make a real impact, while remaining agile and personal. Here you can do, experiment, and push boundaries, always focused on better care and quality of life.

Our ambition is healthy: we want to move forward, but not at all costs. With us, you will have the space to grow, innovate, and learn from mistakes. We also offer various development opportunities, a good work/life balance, and job satisfaction. Because work should also be enjoyable

Klaar voor jouw volgende stap?
Ready for your next step?
Interested? Please submit your cv, motivation letter, and contact details of two academic referees via our online application portal.

For questions about the position, please contact:
Dr. Coline van Moorsel – Head of ILD Research Group, St. Antonius Hospital
Telephone contactinformatie / secretary: contactinformatie .