Job Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - PhD positions Molecular Microbiology (2,0 fte)

The PhD positions are in the department of Molecular Microbiology of the University of Groningen, in the team of Dr Dirk-Jan Scheffers, newly appointed Assistant Professor (department chair: Prof. Arnold J.M. Driessen). The work is part of Dr Scheffers' five year VIDI-project (funded by NWO). The department will be located in the brand-new Life Sciences building on the Zernike campus.

The projects:
Bacteria replicate by division. Cell division starts with the formation of a ring composed of protein filaments of FtsZ, just underneath the membrane. Subsequently, all other proteins that play a role in division localize to the ring to form a large multi-protein machinery, called the divisome. Bacterial cell division is seen as one of the most promising targets for the development of new antibacterial drugs.

Project 1 is aimed at understanding regulation of the FtsZ ring by accessory proteins and requires a candidate with skills in biochemistry and/or biophysics.

Project 2 is aimed at determining the interactions between various cell division proteins and requires a candidate with skills in microscopy and/or biochemistry.

Candidates should have (or have obtained before December 2010) a Masters degree or equivalent in a Life Sciences discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics etc). Previous laboratory experience as part of the degree or otherwise is essential. Fluency in English (both spoken and written), proactive communication and problem solving as part of a team, strong record keeping, a great work ethic, and initiative are essential characteristics.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2,612 gross per month in the fourth year. The positions are temporary assignments for a total period of 4 years. After 1½ year, the performance of the candidate will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to expect a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the remaining 2½ years. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the universities' Graduate School of Science.

Interviews will be held in October.

The preferred starting date is December 2010.

To apply:
All interested applicants are encouraged to submit a signed letter of intent outlining motivation, qualifications and experience, and career goals. Curriculum vitae. The names and e-mail addresses/phone numbers of three professional references (thesis supervisors etc). Please pronounce which one of the two positions has your preference and why.

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 27,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Dr Dirk-Jan Scheffers (unavailable from August 2 until mid-September)
+315 21 4469631,
djscheffers@itqb.unl.pt
Prof. Arnold J.M. Driessen
A.J.M.Driessen@rug.nl
Dr. Scheffers' current lab
Department of Molecular Microbiology (contains links to university etc.)