Job - Ph.D. Student, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL)

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated candidate to join our research group. The position is available on a STW/NCSB-funded project: The effect of aging of the mycelium on the expression profile of newly formed Aspergillus niger hyphae which is an active collaboration with the research groups headed by prof. H.A.B. Wosten (University Utrecht) and Prof. M. Reinders (TU-Delft)The research is conducted on the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger, which is an important model organism in the biotechnology industry. In this project, the mechanisms and processes that underlie aging of Aspergillus niger hyphae will be studied. It is expected that aging is the results of both genetic and epigenetic programs and the contribution of both program will be assessed by a combination of molecular genetic, genomic and bioinformatic approaches.

Applicants must have BSc(hons), Masters Degree, or equivalent. Prior experience in Molecular Biology, Bioreactor cultivations, Genetics, Genomics and/or Bioinformatics is required. You must be proficient in spoken and written English and have good communication skills.

We offer a challenging environment to develop on-the-job the skills and networks that a successful academic needs. Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. Ultimately the appointment must lead to a completion of a PhD thesis. During your appointment you will be supervised by Dr. Arthur Ram as your co-promotor. Prof. P. J.J. Hooykaas will be your respective promotor. The gross monthly salary is set on 2.042,- in the first year up to 2.612,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%. All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science http://www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl/and the Research School Biodiversity. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

The IBL is part of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University organized into two research programs: Molecular Biology and Evolutionary Biology. The IBL-theme of Molecular Biosciences concerns the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the various forms of life. We investigate molecular functioning in ecosystems, but also applications in biotechnology. Research questions are tackled by a multidisciplinary approach including molecular genetics, genomics, microbiology, cell biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, microscopy and cell physiology including electrophysiology. We exploit recent advances in gene and genomics technology and confocal laser scanning microscopy which enables the study of molecules in living cells and multi-cellular organisms in an unprecedented detail.