Our lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative diseases. One of the diseases that we focus on is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in tRNA synthetase genes. CMT is an incurable disease characterised by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory axons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and sensory dysfunction. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available for CMT, underscoring the need to gain better insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease, a prerequisite for rational design of new drugs. 
As a PhD candidate you will use Drosophila models for CMT caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. In addition to existing models, you will also generate and characterise novel knock-in Drosophila models, and investigate how defective mRNA translation can lead to selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory axons. You will become part of a multidisciplinary team, and have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects at our lab. You will use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including Drosophila genetics and behavioural analysis, fluorescence and confocal microscopy (and, if applicable, also super-resolution and electron microscopy), immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

You will be given the opportunity to supervise Master's students. Beyond that, your exposure to teaching will be minimal.

• You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented individual with a particular interest in neurobiology.
• You hold a Master's degree (or are about to obtain one) in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, genetics or a related discipline, and are interested in a scientific career.
• Previous experience with Drosophila genetics would be a plus but is not required.
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.
• You are capable of working in a team as well as independently.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).

• Employment: 0.8 (5 year contract) - 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,061 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• The intended start date is 1 October 2021.
• Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your appointment.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Have a look at our excellent employment conditions. They include a good work-life balance (among other things because of the excellent leave arrangements), opportunities for development and a great pension scheme.

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

Faculty of Science

The Storkebaum lab of the Department of Molecular Neurobiology combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy. Our team currently consists of three PhD candidates, three postdoctoral researchers, two technical assistants, and several Master's students. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, and a grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). We have published several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Acta Neuropathologica, EMBO Journal and Nature Reviews Neurology. We have state-of-the-art facilities for Drosophila and mouse genetics, Drosophila and mouse behavioural analysis, imaging (fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution and electron microscopy), histology and immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture. We are part of the Donders Institute, a world-class neuroscience institute with a lively and interactive culture.