PhD position in structural biology of cell signalling in the nervous system (1.0 FTE)

How do cells interact and meanwhile keep a tiny distance in the nervous system? This question should be answered as it is important for learning, feeling, and moving! Proteins determine the distance between cells, which thereafter influences the signalling proteins on the cell surface. This feedback plays a role in the development and function of tissues, as well as in diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. For instance, in the nervous system the speed of the axonal action potential is determined by the cell‐cell distance and the differentiation of cells depends on an increasing cell‐cell distance. As PhD candidate, you will visualise at atomic level how proteins determine these distances and how these distances influence tissue function.
You will join the Structural Neurobiology research group of Dr. Bert Janssen, which combines biochemistry, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to unravel the molecular processes that facilitate cell-cell communication and interaction. Bert Janssen is a leader in the field of structural neurobiology with a strong publication record and the group offers a supportive research environment.
Pursuing a PhD in our group will offer you the opportunity to:

• learn how to purify membrane proteins for structural studies;
• learn X-ray crystallography on receptor complexes;
• learn cryo-EM single particle analysis grid preparation, data collection and processing;
• develop your skills in cryo-electron tomography;
• gain deeper insights into the biology of neurons;
• develop academic skills such as effective scientific communication (written and oral), building collaborative networks and teaching.

To be successful in the application you should bring multiple if not all of the following:

• a (soon to be complete) Master's degree in Molecular Life Sciences, preferably (structural) biochemistry or molecular biology;
• advanced (theoretical) knowledge of multiple of the following subjects: Structural Biology, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Biophysics, Biochemistry;
• experience in molecular biology, protein expression and purification.
• high motivation, ability to deal with challenges, creativity and an interest to work in a collaborative environment.
• excellent oral and written skills in English (C1).

Previous hands-on experience in Structural Biology/cryo-Electron Microscopy is not required but will be considered a significant advantage.

• an academic environment with several world-class scientists, where English is the main language;
• academic training in our Molecular Life Sciences programme;
• a supportive environment with a commitment to academic development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance;
• a position for 4 years;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from € 2,541 in the first year to €3,247 in the fourth year in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow.
For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science . 
Are you an international applicant? Our International Service Desk can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff .

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You will work in the research group of Dr. Bert Janssen , which is part of the Structural Biochemistry section. The group offers a collaborative environment, modern tools in structural biology (e.g., X-ray and cryo-EM), biochemical, biophysical and cell biological techniques and an extensive computing infrastructure for data processing. We have access to the in-house Electron Microscopy Centre , which houses advanced instrumentation for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, including a Talos Artica, equipped with K2 direct electron detector, energy filter and a Volta phase plate.
The Structural Biochemistry group is part of the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research which coordinates the Molecular Life Sciences PhD programme and offers regular seminars by scientists from all over the world, access to advanced courses, and regular PhD evenings for PhDs and postdocs to present their work and enhance social cohesion within the Bijvoet Centre. The Bijvoet Centre comprises six research sections that form a collaborative environment focussing on elucidating the structure of the biomolecules that make up all living organisms. In addition, the Bijvoet Centre has a state-of-the-art Protein Research Centre that is equipped for protein production, purification and analysis. 

If you have any questions about the position that you’d like us to answer, please contact Dr. Bert Janssen (associate professor) at [email protected] .
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to [email protected] .

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the name, telephone number, and email address of at least two references;

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
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