Networks of interacting proteins collectively form bistable genetic switches that control each cell’s fate during development. These genetic switches are not only responsible for proper cell differentiation when exposed to developmental signals, but also for maintaining each cell’s identity long after its fate is chosen. The ability to maintain cell fate is particularly important for neurons, that are not renewed during our lifetime and thus live for many years. How do neurons ensure that during this entire time they never accidentally lose their cell fate identity?
You will use advanced, quantitative microscopy and computer simulations to uncover the mechanisms that maintain neuronal cell fate in the simple nematode C. elegans. You will use techniques such as time-lapse microscopy, single molecule FISH and FRAP to measure levels and dynamics of cell fate proteins in a range of different neuron types, and auxin-induced depletion to remove cell fate proteins at will and examine the subsequent impact on cell fate. You will use stochastic computer models of the underlying genetic switch networks to study how fluctuations in cell fate protein levels affect the ability of the switch to maintain its differentiated state.
This project will form a tight collaboration with the C. elegans neurobiology group of Dr. Gert Jansen (Dept. of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam), involving regular exchange and joint meetings. You will help analyze and interpret ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data, that will be collected by a PhD student in the Jansen group, to elucidate how cell fate maintenance depends on the binding and unbinding of cell fate proteins to the DNA.
About the group
The ‘Quantitative Developmental Biology’ group uses a quantitative, physics-inspired approach to study problems in developmental biology, focusing both on the small nematode C. elegans and intestinal organoids. The aim of the research is to elucidate how living organisms reliably build their bodies, maintain their tissues or respond to their environment despite the considerable underlying variability on the molecular level.
Qualifications
We seek candidates with a background in (bio)physics or biology, ideally with experience in fluorescence microscopy, quantitative data analysis and computational approaches to biology. Candidates with a background purely in theoretical/computational physics or biology, but a strong desire to combine this with biology experiments are also encouraged to apply. Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential. You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination.
Terms of employment
The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years, with a starting salary of gross € 2,590 per month and a range of employment benefits . After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch university . Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students. AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.
Contact info
Dr. Jeroen van Zon
Group leader Quantitative Developmental Biology
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please annex your:
– Resume;
– Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.
Online screening may be part of the selection.
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment. Hence, we greatly encourage candidates from any personal background and perspective to apply.
Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.
Apply for this position
Similar Positions
-
Ph D Position Manipulating Stem Cell Differentiation Using Electric Field., Sainbiose Laboratory, France, 21 days ago
7 Mar 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company Sainbiose Laboratory Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 31 Mar 2024 - 23:...
-
Ph D Position, The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, or CEA, France, 7 days ago
21 Mar 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, or CEA Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Coun...
-
Multiple Ph D Positions On "Single Cell Proteome Profiling" , ETH Zurich, Switzerland, about 4 hours ago
100%, Zurich, fixed-term The laboratory of Single-Molecule and Single-Cell Biophysics (BMC) is a research group in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET) at E...
-
Ph D Scholarship In Applied Stem Cell Cultivation – Dtu Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark, about 12 hours ago
Skip to main content. Profile Sign Out View More Jobs PhD scholarship in Applied Stem Cell Cultivation – DTU Bioengineering Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Job Description This is a perfect position to make ...
-
Ph D In Image Analysis And Data Modelling For Advanced Microscopy Applied To Biomolecular Systems (Barcelona), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain, 1 day ago
27 Mar 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company Universitat Pompeu Fabra Department Department of Experimental and Health Sciences Research Field Biological sciences Physics Researcher Profile Le...
-
Ph D Position In Biomolecular Research At The University Of Twente, University of Twente, Netherlands, about 6 hours ago
Vacancies PhD position in Biomolecular Research at the University of Twente Key takeaways Advance understanding of onset and spread of Parkinson’s disease using innovative cell studies and advance...