Project description
The positions are part of the ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Erwin Peterman How intraflagellar transport shapes the cilium: a single-molecule systems study (HITSCIL). Subjects of study in this project are the chemosensory cilia of C. elegans, which sense water-soluble molecules in the animal’s environment for chemotaxis. Ciliary development and maintenance depend critically on a specific, microtubule-based intracellular transport mechanism, intraflagellar transport (IFT). Over the past years, the research group has developed a unique set of quantitative, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy tools that allows visualization and quantification of IFT dynamics with unprecedented detail in living animals. The focus now will be on unravelling the connection between ciliary structure, chemosensory function and IFT, from a systems perspective. Four major aims are to: (i) determine how directional changes in IFT are regulated and are affected by external disturbances; (ii) understand the dynamics of the ciliary microtubules and how IFT affects these dynamics and vice versa; (iii) study how sensory ciliary function affects IFT and ciliary structure; (iiii) further develop our (single-molecule) fluorescence microscopy toolbox by improving instrumentation and using better fluorescent probes and sensors.
 
Tasks
This multidisciplinary project brings together diverse disciplines like molecular biology, C. elegans genetics, cell biology and neurobiology, quantitative and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy in vivo, image analysis, quantitative data analysis and computer modelling. We are looking for people who are excited to work on an interdisciplinary team, with a strong background in one of the disciplines relevant for the project (biophysics, cell biology, optical microscopy, or related). Candidates are expected to publish their results in international peer-reviewed journals and present their work at (inter)national scientific conferences. A PhD candidate will ultimately produce a dissertation.
 

Suitable candidates are ambitious and highly motivated to perform research at the highest international level, collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment. Candidates for the PhD position hold an MSc degree in biophysics, physics or cell biology (or similar). Candidates for a position as Postdoctoral researcher have successfully obtained a PhD degree in neurobiology, cell biology, biophysics, advanced optical microscopy or comparable, with demonstrable experience (scientific publications) relevant to the project described above. For both levels, further requirements include:
• affinity with and/or skills in advanced fluorescence microscopy, analyzing images and quantitative data;
• affinity with and/or skills in working with simple model organisms like C. elegans or other living systems;
• excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

For a PhD candidate, the appointment will be initially for 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of 4 years. For a Postdoctoral researcher, the appointment will be for a total of 3 years.

You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like:
• remuneration of  8,3% end-of-year bonus and  8% holiday allowance
• solid pension scheme (ABP);
• a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• commuting allowance;
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
• participation in Individual Choices model;
• KinderRijk KDV Boechorststraat provides professional childcare on the VU campus;
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.
 
Salary
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, for a PhD candidate € 2,267.00 gross per month in the first year up to € 2,897.00 gross per month in the fourth year (salary scale 85) based on a full-time employment.

For a postdoctoral researcher it will range from a minimum € 2,640.00 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 4,166.00 gross per month (salary scale 10), depending on experience, based on a full-time employment.

http://www.vu.nl/en/index.asp

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading, innovative, and growing university that is at the heart of society and actively contributes to new developments in teaching and research. Our university has ten faculties which span a wide range of disciplines, as well as several institutes, foundations, research centres, and support services. Its campus is located in the fastest-growing economic region in the Netherlands (the Zuidas district of Amsterdam), and provides work for over 4,500 staff and scientific education for more than 23,000 students.

Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Physics of Living Systems
The Faculty of Science of VU University Amsterdam encourages scientists and students to find sustainable solutions to the complex issues of this day and age. With over 5.700 students and 2000 staff, it is the largest faculty of the VU. With great dedication, we practice science addressing every manner of subject centered around four domains: Information Sciences, Human Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, and Fundamentals of Science. The collaboration between scientists working on fundamental and applied research allows communities to be built beyond the borders of the various disciplines, following new and innovative pathways. Our Amsterdam Zuidas location also offers unique opportunities for international exchange and collaboration.

The positions will be in the Physics of Living Systems section of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This vibrant section consists of the groups of 5 principle investigators and is internationally renowned for the experimental and theoretical biophysics research in a variety of topics ranging from molecular to systems scales. The section is part of the Institute of Lasers, Life and Biophotonics (LaserLaB) Amsterdam and is equipped with unique world-class facilities for nanoscale imaging and manipulation. In particular, there is a long-standing expertise in development of innovative optical methodology dedicated to answering fundamental biophysical questions. The section is involved in many (inter)national collaborations and has a strong international atmosphere.