Introduction

Are you fascinated by the diverse ways through which microorganisms may respond and evolve under different environments? Would you like to use such knowledge to help find solutions for one of the biggest challenges of your generation, i.e., sustainability?

The Molecular Microbial Physiology (MMP) group, part of the Bacterial Cell Biology & Physiology (BCBP) groups, investigates key processes related to microbial physiology, evolution and multi-level regulation. It links such fundamental knowledge with important applications mostly related to sustainability and green biotechnology.

For a new project, we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated PhD candidate to conduct research activities, resulting in a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Dr. Filipe Branco dos Santos. If you enjoy performing experimental work with a strong computational and in silico component, perform and analyse '-omics' data, and work in a diverse team, then this position is perfect for you!

What are you going to do

The project you will be working on is aimed at unveiling fundamental mechanisms through which the cyanobacterium Synechocystis(and related strains) responds and adapts under different environmental conditions. It will focus on studying the response to environments that are likely to be useful during biotechnological applications that exploit the ability of these organisms to synthesize valuable products directly from CO2, fueled only by (sun)light.

Additionally, you will expand the work already initiated at MMP-UvA that combines this knowledge with the development of in silicometabolic engineering tools that aim at the development of stable cell factories. All the basic required equipment, biological materials and computational software on which you will be expected to expand upon are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• Plan and perform scientific data analysis and experiments in an independent manner;
• Critically analyze and interpret results;
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts;
• Present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;
• Collaborate with international and local researchers;
• Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme;
• Assist in teaching undergraduates and Master's students;
• Co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students).

You are passionate about science and microbiology with a particular interest in prokaryotic photoautotrophs. You feel comfortable performing experimental lab work, while simultaneously having an affinity for modelling and/or programming. As this project is housed within a Systems Biology setting, you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team. Hence, being a team player and having good communication skills is highly relevant as you will be expected to discuss your results in different (inter)national meetings. Finally, being interested in interacting outside academia is also important, as you will have a chance to do so with industrial partners and other societal groups.

Your experience and profile

• MSc or equivalent in Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related fields;
• Good project and time management skills enabling you to meet deadlines for finishing analyses, reports and other deliverables;
• Readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary research;
• Familiarity with both microbiological methods such as laboratory cultivation of microorganisms and preferably running of (photo)bioreactors; and with molecular engineering techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, etc.;
• Basic knowledge in coding (preferably python and/or R) and data analysis;
• Good analytical, writing and presenting skills;
• Professional command of English.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. The preferred starting date is to be discussed.

Your salary will range between €2,541 in the first year to €3,247 gross per month in the last year of employment, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable. Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science's largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centred on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Green Life Sciences and Microbiology. The position offered here is embedded within the latter.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.