Postdoc in the field of experimental biophysics

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The Faculty of Science, the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is looking for a:

Postdoc in the field of experimental biophysics

Key responsibilities
The postdoc will design and perform experiments to understand (mis)folding and aggregation/condensation of proteins and their contributions to muscular dystrophy. The project will include analysis at various scales, ranging from molecular to cellular studies. In particular, state-of-the art force spectroscopic approaches will be used to study protein aggregation and to measure muscle cell mechanics.

The responsibilities of the position include:

• Establish the aforementioned research line 
• Design and perform investigations and data analysis
• Write high quality scientific manuscripts
• Present results to team members and other associated partners
• Contribute to our education program
• Train BSc, MSc and PhD students and supervise their research
• Contribute to grant writing activities

Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate should fulfill (most of) the following criteria:

• An academic degree (PhD) in science with excellent records in one of the following areas: Molecular biophysics or Cell biophysics.
• Experience with force spectroscopy is a plus.   
• Decent publication record including first author publications.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to successfully work and get things done in teams

Research at our faculty
The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. The Mashaghi lab (Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Group) is involved in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, engineering and biomedicine. We enjoy developing highly innovative approaches to high-impact questions, working with advanced technologies and writing compelling publications. The lab is equipped with various force methods, including a dual trap optical tweezers, acoustic force spectroscopy and CellHesion, as well as computing facility for molecular modeling, which enable studying folding dynamics of complex proteins in isolation or within a condensate environment. 

For more information, see: https://www.mashaghilab.org and

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research/systems-pharmacology/medical-systems-biophysics-and-bioengineering

Our Faculty’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of science, ranging from Mathematics and Statistical science, Computer science and Data science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical science to Biology and Environmental sciences. Our faculty members are inspired by a fascination with the unknown and the urge to enlarge our fundamental knowledge. At the same time, they want to contribute to solutions for the big societal issues of tomorrow. You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science . For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at .

Furthermore, the project is a collaboration with groups at Leiden University Medical Centre that are expert in muscle biology and structural biology. As such the postdoc is expected to be able to work efficiently within a multi-disciplinary team.

Terms and conditions 
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for up to three more years depending on the availability of funding and the performance. You will be appointed in accordance  with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.960,- to € 4.670,-  gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale 10).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity&Inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to the attention of Assoc. Prof. Alireza Mashaghi

at [email protected] (management assistant) indicating the vacancy number in the email subject line. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation, background, and qualifications for the position;
• A detailed CV (including a list of publications);
• Contact information of three references;

Only applications received before August 31, 2022 can be considered. The start date for the postdoctoral work will be on October 1, 2022 preferably

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