Job Utrecht University, Faculty of Science - PhD Researcher within the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics Group (1,0 fte)

Modelling asymmetric cell division in C. elegans.

Asymmetric cell division is crucial for generating cell type diversity during development, and for enabling stem cells to combine self-renewal with the production of differentiating daughter cells. During asymmetric cell division the cleavage plane is positioned such that an unequal distribution of cellular components over daughter cells is achieved, allowing them to adopt different fates.

In this project the PhD student will collaborate intensively with the experimental developmental biology group of Prof S. van den Heuvel studying asymmetric cell division in C. elegans. The PhD student will integrate their experimental data into a computational modelling framework in which cell shape, membrane properties, gene regulation, protein phosphorylation, protein localization and spindle positioning are taken into account. The model will be used to obtain more insight in the mechanisms controlling cleavage plane positioning.

One important research question the PhD will study concerns the mechanisms and forces that control the sequence of rotation, centration and posterior displacement of the centrosomes and spindle observed during the autonomous asymmetric division of the single cell zygote (1). Another research question concerns how the asymmetric division of epithelial seam cells depends on cell shape and polarity and how these in turn depend on cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and signalling.

(1) Galli M, van den Heuvel S. Determination of the Cleavage Plane in Early C. elegans embryos. Annu Rev Genet. 2008;42:389-411.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals (MSc or equivalent) with experience, or an interest in developmental biology and a training in mathematical modelling and computer simulation. He/she communicates easily in English, both verbally and in writing.

The candidate is offered afulltime position forfour years.

The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. More information is available on the website.

The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The faculty is home to 3500 students and nearly 2000 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty's academic programmes reflect developments in today's society.

Currently, we are looking to fill a 4-year PhD position within the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics Group.

The Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics Group is in the Department of Biology and studies the functioning of complex biological systems using mathematical and computational models and bioinformatic approaches. Research areas covered are bioinformatic, genetic and theoretical studies of the immune system, systems biology of the heart, computational developmental biology, and bioinformatic and modeling studies of evolutionary processes. The research of our group is part of the Life Sciences and Biocomplexity and the Infection and Immunity focus areas of the Utrecht University.

Additional information about this vacancy can be obtained from: Dr Kirsten ten Tusscher, email: K.H.W.J.TenTusscher@uu.nl.