The position

Would you be postdoctoral researcher on a VICI-project to study the role of SUMOylation in mitosis? As a member of our research group you will investigate the mechanisms and functional consequences of post-translational protein modification by SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier). You will study the important roles of SUMOylation in cell cycle progression at a proteome-wide level and at the level of individual target proteins. We expect that targeting SUMO signal transduction in cancer cells, will yield a novel anti-cancer therapy.

The project

Our group is interested in the mechanisms and functional consequences of post-translational protein modification by SUMO. We integrate biochemistry, cell biology and proteomics approaches and employ state-of-the art microscopes and mass spectrometers to obtain novel insights in SUMO signal transduction in cell cycle progression. We have previously uncovered a key role for SUMO in cell cycle progression, and shown that SUMO-2/3 are able to form chains in an ubiquitin-like manner. These chains then cooperate with the ubiquitin-proteasome system to control target proteins. We have recently developed innovative methodology to study SUMOylation and crosstalk between SUMOylation and other post-translational modifications in a cell-wide manner.

You have obtained a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences or similar field and have a strong background in protein purification, protein biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. Experience with the cell cycle and ubiquitin-like proteins will be a distinct advantage whereas experience in mass spectrometry is not required. You should be highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative as well as skilled and result-driven. Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years (for the duration of the project).

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for the duration of the project (3 yrs) upon proving your suitability for the position. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience with a maximum of € 4,216 gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10, CLA for University Hospitals). By joining us, you will be part of a young and dynamic team consisting of international researchers.

The terms of employment offered by the LUMC are highly favorable. For example, you will receive 8% holiday remuneration, a year-end bonus, and a pension arrangement with the National Civil Pension Fund. Also, as employee of one of the University Hospitals in the Netherlands, you can benefit from our collective health insurance policy.

Moreover, the LUMC offers excellent facilities in the area of education, child-care centers, and career advice. In addition, you may enjoy various leave arrangements and other extras. You can read more about these facilities elsewhere on this site.

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. So as to also provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers. 

Within the Department of Molecular Cell Biology, a team of professionals investigates functional regulation of proteins by post-translational modifications including SUMOylation, ubiquitylation and phosphorylation. This enables us to improve our knowledge about fundamental processes of life at the molecular level and to improve our knowledge about disease-linked de-regulation of these processes. Local collaborators include Profs. Huib Ovaa, Sjaak Neefjes and Peter ten Dijke.