Lipid metabolism is tightly regulated both at the cellular as well as whole-organism level. This regulation ensures that the level of lipids does not increase to toxic levels and that they are available at sufficient amounts for processes requiring them. Disruption of this balance is at the center of several pathological conditions in humans, most notably cardiovascular disease.

Our group is broadly interested in the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of lipid and energy metabolism (e.g Zelcer et al., Science 2009; Zelcer et al. MCB 2014; Sharpe et al. TIBS 2014; Loregger et al. MCB 2015; Nelson et al. Circ Res 2016; Loregger et al. ATVB 2017). We have recently identified a novel gene, EEPD1, that plays a key role in regulating cellular cholesterol levels (Nelson et al. ATVB 2017). As such, the central goal of this project is to elucidate the role of EEPD1 in lipid metabolism at the mechanistic level as well as in recently developed mouse models.

We offer a challenging PhD research project and ask for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher. You must have an MSc degree in Medical Biology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry or in a related field. Experience with animal experiments is an advantage. The candidate should have good command of oral and written English and must have excellent communicative skills.  The research will involve animal experiments.

We offer a contract for a 4 year fulltime doctorate. As a PhD student you will be offered a starting salary of € 2.279 which will increase to € 2.919 gross a month for the last year of employment (according to UMC-CAO). In addition, payment includes a holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end bonus of 8.3% of the gross annual salary, compensation of travel expenses as well as free parking. You will be employed by AMC Medical Research BV.

AMC Medical Research

The AMC is more than just a hospital. It is a world in which patient care, research and education are integrated, and in which people are always central. It is an academic world full of possibilities for talented individuals that are looking for a place where they can excel. Thinking big, daring to dream, cooperating internationally. And never letting yourself be put off by ‘It’s not possible’ or ’It won’t work anyway’. That is the AMC mentality.

http://www.amc.nl/

The Zelcer group is located in the Department of Medical Biochemistry. Additional information on our research and group can be found on our website: http://www.zelcerlab.eu/