In the Molecular Neurobiology of Ageing group, we aim to find biological targets for neuroprotection to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Aggregation-prone proteins are thought to be involved in the early stages of these diseases, but how they drive toxicity still needs to be identified. Understanding these mechanisms 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 protein toxicity. These include modifiers of aggregation (MOAGs) that accelerate toxic structural changes of the disease proteins, and metabolic regulators, such as the kynurenine pathway enzyme tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase TDO-2. The proposed fundamental postdoc project is embedded in a team of scientists that, in collaboration with industry, aims to uncover molecular and organismal mechanisms of neuroprotection by kynurenine pathway modulation.

We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated postdoc.

Required
- PhD in bio-molecular sciences or a related area.
- Critical, inquisitive, and independent research attitude.
- An excellent track record of creative scientific research.
- Strong communication and writing skills.
- An organized and results-oriented team player.

Appreciated
- A track record in omics research, preferentially (single cell) transcriptomics and metabolomics.
- A track record in programming, data analysis and data visualization.
- Experience with invertebrate model organisms, preferentially C. elegans.
- A track record in molecular neuroscience.
- Experience with microscopy imaging.

The position is funded for 2 years, extensions possible provided financial support. Your salary will be a maximum of € 4.800,- gross per month (scale 10 from 1-8-2022), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

More information
Information about the host lab
Information about ERIBA
Information about the University of Groningen
Information about Groningen

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.