The chromosomes of bacteria and archaea are organized and compacted into a nucleoid. This is achieved by the action of nucleoid-associated proteins that fold the genome by bending, wrapping or bridging it. In our group we investigate using a quantitative approach the mechanisms employed by the various proteins that are involved in DNA organization and compaction both from a molecular and a cellular perspective (Peeters et al., Nature Rev Microbiol, 2015; Dame & Tark-Dame, Curr Opin Cell Biol, 2016; van der Valk et al., eLife, 2017).

The proposed project is part of a recently funded multidisciplinary research programme. The goal of this sub-project is to define by using biochemical and biophysical techniques how DNA binding proteins involved in bacterial and archaeal chromatin organization act to differentially regulate genes in response to interaction with partner proteins and physico-chemical signals.

• Highly motivated and independent researcher;
• MSc degree in biochemistry, biophysics or equivalent;
• Strong affinity with techniques to investigate protein-DNA interactions;
• Experience with single-molecule techniques is an advantage;
• Experience with recombinant protein production and purification is an advantage;
• Able to work and communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

We  offer a position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from €2,222  to €2,840  gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. 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. 

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 

The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is organized around two major research areas: ‘Chemical Biology’ and ‘Energy & Sustainability’. The institute’s research themes illustrate the central position of chemistry between biology, medicine and physics. The various research topics carried out within these themes are ideal for executing interdisciplinary research. Information about the Chemical Biology research at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry can be found at lic.leidenuniv.nl/focus/chemical-biology.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science