PhD position in Biomolecular Research at the University of Twente

7 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

5 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Advance understanding of onset and spread of Parkinson’s disease using innovative cell studies and advanced microscopy; join our multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, The Netherlands for an exciting project. Ideal candidates have a Master's in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology or a related field, with a passion for biomolecule research and an interest in innovative microscopy.

Join the NBP group, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Twente, where physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine converge. We are dedicated to understanding intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their roles in biological processes. Our focus is on the study of IDPs in the context of Parkinson's disease, using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. We offer a collaborative, supportive, and professional working environment, encouraging interactions among our diverse team members, including PhD students, research technicians, and principal investigators.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), often associated with a-synuclein (aS) pathology, is not typically familial, suggesting non-genetic factors in its development. Epidemiological studies hint at external factors like virus infections and exposure to certain chemicals as potential risks. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these correlations remain elusive.

This project seeks to establish a molecular link between risk factors and the initiation of aS aggregation and the spread of the pathology from cell to cell in neuronal cell models. Building on recent discoveries, we aim to explore how a singular event, such as exposure to virus proteins, can trigger aS aggregation. Using cutting-edge microscopy and spectroscopy, we will investigate this initial trigger and its cascading effects, potentially offering new insights into PD development and intervention strategies.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field. The ideal candidate should have:

• An enthusiastic and highly motivated research attitude
• A deep interest in cell biology, biomolecules, and molecular disease aspects.
• Prior experience or strong enthusiasm for working with cells, proteins and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with microscopy / spectroscopy techniques

Additional Information
Benefits

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 5 April 2024, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact
Mireille Claessens

[email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338702/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338702/phd-position-in-biomolecular-researc…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED