A PhD Candidate to work on a genetic screen to identify genes that are required for axonal maintenance. After screening ~20% of the Drosophila genome, we have identified ~45 mutant lines that display axonal degeneration, showing that the screening approach works.

You will work on the characterisation of mutants already identified, and the generation of additional mutants, followed by whole genome sequencing and bio-informatic analysis to identify causative mutations, and putative disease-causing mutations in the human orthologous genes. You will further have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in our lab and be able to use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including Drosophila genetics and behavioural analysis, fluorescence and confocal microscopy (and if applicable also super-resolution and electron microscopy), Illumina next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry. You will be expected to supervise Master's students. Beyond that, your exposure to teaching will be minimal.

• You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, creative and team-oriented individual with a particular interest in neurobiology.
• You hold a Master's degree (or are about to obtain one) in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, genetics or a related discipline, and are interested in a scientific career.
• Previous experience with Drosophila genetics would be a plus but is not required.
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.
• You are capable of working in a team as well as independently.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 40 hours per week.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,325 per month, and will increase to €2,972 in the fourth year (p scale).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• The intended start date is from April 1st 2020 onwards.
• Membership of the Donders Graduate School, including offers such as peer coaching and a mentoring programme.
• Excellent personal development opportunities in both scientific and academic career skills.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

The Faculty of Science at Radboud University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

Within the Department of Molecular Neurobiology, the Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy. Our team currently consists of four PhD candidates, two postdoctoral researchers, two technical assistants, and several Master's students. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, and a grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). We have published several recent papers in high-impact journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Acta Neuropathologica, EMBO Journal and Nature Reviews Neurology. We have state-of-the-art facilities for Drosophila and mouse genetics, Drosophila and mouse behavioural analysis, imaging (fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution and electron microscopy), histology and immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture. We are part of the Donders Institute, a world-class neuroscience institute with a lively and interactive culture.