PhD position in structural biology of receptor organisation in the nervous system (1.0 FTE)

Updated: 10 months ago
Deadline: 26 Jun 2023

1 Jun 2023
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Utrecht University
Research Field

Physics
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Netherlands
Application Deadline

26 Jun 2023 - 22:00 (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

Molecular organisation of membrane proteins is key to the proper development and function of our nervous system. Neuronal cell-surface receptors need to be in the right place at the right time to meet their appropriate partner proteins to activate signalling and initiate adhesion. As PhD candidate you will join us in investigating the role of tetraspanins in controlling the organisation of neuronal receptors at the molecular level.

You will join the Structural Neurobiology research group of Dr. Bert Janssen and the Structural Biology & Immunology research group of Dr. Piet Gros which combine biochemistry, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to unravel the molecular processes that facilitate cell-cell communication and interaction. Bert Janssen and Piet Gros are leaders in the field of structural biology with strong publication records and the groups offer a supportive research environment.

Pursuing a PhD in our group will offer you the opportunity to:

  • develop your skills in studying the interactions between proteins in the biological membrane;
  • learn how to purify membrane proteins for structural studies;
  • learn cryo-EM single particle analysis grid preparation, data collection and processing;
  • gain a deeper understanding of the biology of neurons;
  • develop academic skills such as effective scientific communications (written and oral), building collaboration networks and teaching.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

To be successful in the application multiple of the following should apply to you:

  • You have (or will soon complete) a Master's degree in Molecular Life sciences, preferably (structural) biochemistry or molecular biology.
  • You have advanced (theoretical) knowledge of multiple of the following subjects: Structural Biology, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Biophysics, Biochemistry.
  • You are experienced in molecular biology, protein expression and purification.
  • You are highly motivated, able to deal with challenges, are creative and like to work in a collaborative environment;
  • You have 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.


Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

  • 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 .


Selection process

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 names, telephone numbers, and email addresses 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.

Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them


Additional comments

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] .


Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/328555/

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Utrecht University
Country
Netherlands
City
Utrecht
Postal Code
3584CS
Street
Heidelberglaan 8

Where to apply
Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/328555/phd-position-in-structural-biology-of-r…

Contact
City

Utrecht
Website

http://www.uu.nl/
Street

Domplein 29
Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED

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