Postdoc in Quantitative Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering (1.0 FTE)

Postdoc in Quantitative Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering (1.0 FTE) (222432)

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Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering or closely related fields to join the Cell Cycle Dynamics group of Dr Julia Kamenz.

In a human body, billions of cells divide every single day. Errors during cell division or uncontrolled cell proliferation can have detrimental consequences including cancer development. Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of cell proliferation and cell division. These studies include (1) the intricate regulation of the kinases and phosphatases involved in the processes of cell division, (2) the impact of post-translational modifications in regulating cell division – in particular phosphorylations – and (3) studying the complex signaling networks surveying and controlling cell cycle progression. Specifically, this project will be focusing on developing new techniques to interrogate the signaling dynamics of cell cycle progression and cell cycle checkpoints using the frog egg extract system.

In the laboratory, we combine a variety of cell biological, biochemical and systems biological approaches including Xenopus laevis egg extracts, enzyme biochemistry, fluorescence live cell imaging of human cells and computational modelling. Among others, the Postdoctoral fellow will have access to state-of-the-art microscopes, microfluidics, mass spectrometry, tissue culture and animal facilities.

The Cell Cycle Dynamics group is embedded in the Molecular Systems Biology unit at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, which provides an inspiring, interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

The successful applicant has:

• a PhD with specialization in biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering or closely related fields (if not graduated yet, please indicate the expected graduation date)
• at least one submitted significant first author publication
• a creative, open and resilient mind, excellent work ethics and good English skills (verbal and in writing)
• excellent interpersonal skills combined with an ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team.

Expertise in working with the Xenopus laevis egg extract system, protein biochemistry (including insect cell culture) and/or microfluidics is highly desirable.

Organisation

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

The Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), one of the larger institutes of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), provides an excellent environment for top-notch research in the field of biomolecular sciences. Thirteen vibrant research units with strong roots in biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, cell biology, computational biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and systems biology are organized in two focal areas: ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes’ and ‘Physiology and Systems Biology’.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary from a minimum of € 3,557 gross per month up to a maximum of € 4,670 gross per month (salary scale 10) based on a full-time position and dependent on qualification and work experience
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and participation in a pension scheme for employees
• a personal budget of € 1,000 per year that is dedicated for additional training and career activities
• career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen.

The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another year. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

The conditions of employment: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

The planned starting date is September/October 2022, however, there is considerable flexibility in the starting date.

Application

Please send us a complete application with the below-mentioned supporting documents as a single PDF and upload it as your ‘Letter of motivation’:

• cover letter with background and motivation to apply for this position.
• curriculum vitae, including PhD and Master's degree, work and research experience, and a publication list.
• detailed (max. 500 words) description of previous research experience including the PhD work.
• contact details of at least two academic references who can provide information on your suitability for the position.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

You may apply for this position until 27 July 11:59 pm / before 28 July 2022 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the online application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/(...)rsity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/sollicitatiecode/ and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Information

For information you can contact:

• Dr Julia Kamenz, [email protected]

Please do not use the e-mail address(es) above for applications.

Additional information

• Cell Cycle Dynamics group Kamenzlab.com
• Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute
• The city of Groningen

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