For an international training network (Healthage) the Molecular Neurobiology of Ageing lab in ERIBA is looking for PhD student with an interest in age-related protein toxicity:

Aging is the major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, which include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). There is no cure for these diseases. The accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins is thought to be responsible but the biological mechanisms that drive their toxicity still need to be identified; this is a crucial step for the design of prevention and treatment strategies. Using genetic screens in the nematode (worm) C. elegans, our team has pioneered the identification and characterization of evolutionary conserved regulators that drive age-related protein toxicity. These include modifiers of aggregation (MOAGs) that accelerate toxic structural changes of the disease proteins and metabolic regulators, such as the tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase TDO-2. The proposed PhD project aims to uncover new mechanisms that protect against motor impairment in models for ALS/FTD-associated protein toxicity.

We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated PhD student.

- MSc in bio-molecular sciences, medical biology or related area
- Experience with molecular genetics and protein biochemistry is a big plus
- Inquisitive and independent research attitude
- Excellent communication skills and a team player
- Technically apt

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

ITN-Healthage offers:
- Positions for 4 years with a one-year trial period.
- An international training programme in the field of lifespan regulation mechanisms in multiple organisms.
- Training in research and soft skills, involving both academic and industry sectors.
- A competitive salary, adjusted for the host country.
- A mobility allowance and a family allowance (where applicable) as part of the employment package.

Eligibility criteria
- The applicants can be of any nationality.
- They should be within four years of the diploma granting them access to doctorate studies at the time of recruitment.
- The applicant must not have resided for more than 12 months prior to the singing her/his contract in the country of the host institute.
- Applicants should be proficient in written and spoken English.

More information
For more information about this vacancies you may contact:
Prof. Ellen Nollen, Team leader, ERIBA; email e.a.a.nollen@umcg.nl (please do not use e-mail address for applications)

Information about the host lab: http://eriba.umcg.nl/people/ellen-nollen/
Information about ERIBA: http://www.eriba.umcg.nl
Information about the University of Groningen: https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/
Information about Groningen: http://portal.groningen.nl/en

How to apply
Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 11 July 2019.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

Please also submit your application to: www.itn-Healthage.gr/index.php/vacancies/apply

European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA)

The European Research Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA) is a research institute at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG). ERIBA aims to discover molecular mechanisms of ageing that can be used as targets to prevent or delay age-related diseases. Our research teams are working with different model systems and technology platforms and share their knowledge and expertise to accelerate discoveries. ERIBA is part of the central UMCG campus, located in a vibrant student town in the northern Netherlands. PhD students are enrolled in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences of the University of Groningen.