Organoids are miniature organs that can be grown in-vitro from adult stem cells. We have recently found that cells within lung organoids become surprisingly motile upon infection by the RSV virus, resulting in a dramatic, collective rotation of the entire spherical organoid. The aim of this project is to uncover the responsible mechanisms, which has implication for understanding the fundamentals of coordinated cellular motion in tissues and its role in viral infections. We will study these questions using confocal and light-sheet microscopy, cellular tracking analysis, and mathematical modelling. We will use fluorescent labeling to follow cell movement in space and time, both on the cellular and sub-cellular level. These highly quantitative data will provide a unique insight into the dynamic response of the lung epitheleum to viral infection and collective cell moltility in general. This is a joint project between the Tans and van Zon labs at AMOLF Amsterdam and is in collaboration with the Clevers lab at the Hubrecht institute, and the HUB institute in Utrecht. the Biophysics research group focusses on three themes:

1. Folding pathways are traditionally studied for proteins in isolation, even though chaperones are critical to achieving native folds. Consequently, the mechanisms by which chaperones act remains poorly understood. We address this question with a single-molecule approach, using optical tweezers, protein constructs, and computer modelling (Science 2007);
2. The stochastic nature of gene expression is increasingly understood, but how it impacts growth and fitness remains unclear. We investigate this issue using genetic engineering, microfabricated flow-cells, single-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy (EMBO rep. 2009);
3. Evolutionary processes are typically studied in constant environments, and a descriptive manner. As a result, the evolutionary dynamics in variable environments has been barely addressed, even though this is considered central to the evolution of complex biological functions. Using synthetic biology and mathematical modelling, we aim to bring a more predictive approach to these fascinating issues (Nature 2007) Past research topics include single-molecule studies on DNA packaging by bacterial viruses, and carbon nanotube-based electronics.

Research
The ‘Quantitative Developmental Biology’ research group will use a quantitative, physics-inspired approach to study problems in developmental biology, focusing on the small roundworm C. elegans. The aim of the research is to elucidate how living organisms can reliably build their bodies during development, despite the considerable underlying variability on the molecular level.

We are looking for an outstanding experimental physicist, chemist, or biologist with skills in handling complex data and an interest in fundamental questions about development, and a strong drive to excel in a competitive international environment. Prior experience with quantitative (light-sheet) microscopy, organoid/tissue culture or quantitative analysis of single-cell behavior is not required, but is considered a plus. As a postdoc position you must meet the requirements for a doctors-degree.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

NWO-I, the Institutes Organisation of NWO, prefers candidates who have qualifying experience (e.g. as PhD student or postdoctoral researcher) in a scientific research institute abroad.

You will be employed by NWO-I for a fixed period of two years.
Your salary will be up to a maximum of 4,089 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent.
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.