We are looking for a Ph.D. candidate for a multidisciplinary research project funded by the NWO through the ENW-M2 open competition instrument. The aim of the project is to determine the effects of tau pathology on the neuronal ubiquitin landscape and DUB-mediated signaling. The great majority of neurodegenerative dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease and roughly one-third of frontotemporal dementias are “tauopathies”, which share the misfolding and aggregation of tau protein as a hallmark. Remarkably, the mechanism(s) underlying tau-induced neurodegeneration remain largely unknown. A striking effect of tau pathology is the disruption of the auto- and endo-lysosomal pathways. In healthy cells, protein sorting and trafficking in the lysosomal system is specifically and dynamically regulated by de-ubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that work as regulatory switches through the modulation of ubiquitin signals.

In this project, we will apply our unique chemical Ubiquitin tools and assays to advanced neuronal tauopathy disease models and analysis methods. With this multidisciplinary approach, we hope to contribute to a solution for a major medical and socio-economic problem: tau-mediated dementia, for which there is an ever-growing unmet need.

·         You have obtained your MSc degree in biochemistry or cell and chemical biology (or will do so in  the short term);

·         Furthermore, you have a keen interest in protein modifications and experience with immunoprecipitation and protein-protein interactions;

·         Fluency in English, being proactive and performance-driven, having a structured and responsible approach, and possessing good communication and writing skills are all desirable qualifications;

·         Lastly, you look forward to working in a multidisciplinary and international academic setting

Fixed-term contract: duration education.

You will be given an employment contract for the production of a PhD thesis for the duration of the program with a maximum of four years. The salary amounts to € 2,789 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,536 in the last year with fulltime employment (scale Pro, CLA UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

department of Cell and Chemical Biology (CCB)

You will be embedded in the department of Cell and Chemical Biology (CCB) at the LUMC. This offers a perfect environment to conduct the proposed research, as it houses excellent facilities for molecular and cell biology, microscopy, organic and protein chemistry, and proteomics. You will be embedded in the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery group under the supervision of Aysegul Sapmaz, as part of a collaborative project with the Department of Neuroscience at Amsterdam UMC.