Recently it has become possible to detect protein conformational changes mediated by chaperones, as we have shown at the single-molecule level using optical tweezers for SecB, Trigger Factor, and Hsp70 (Science 2007, Nature 2013, Nature 2016). The recent integration of single-molecule fluorescence now allows us to visualize the composition of actively translating ribosome-chaperone-client complexes, pushing the envelope of technical possibilities. In this project, we use this novel approach together with ribosomal profiling in order to unravel the first steps of protein biogenesis in real time.

Research
Chaperones are central to protein biogenesis, but their action at the ribosome remains poorly understood. A central complication is the highly dynamic nature of this process, which involves polypeptide synthesis, folding, chaperone binding and ATP cycles, as well as a possible interplay between chaperones. New tools now allow us to directly monitor these dynamics.

We are looking for an outstanding experimental physicist or chemist with an interest in single-molecule biophysics, and a strong drive to excel in a competitive international environment. As a postdoc position you must meet the requirements for a doctors-degree. You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

When fulfilling a PhD position at NWO-I, the Institutes Organisation of NWO, you will get the status of junior scientist. 
You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits NWO-I offers. You will get a contract for four years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,834 euro gross per month. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent. 
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with NWO-I. 
A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of ten percent of your time). The conditions of employment of NWO-I are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (Cao-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at NWO-I can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'Job interview code' applies to this position.

AMOLF

Biophysics

http://www.amolf.nl