Molecular organisation of membrane proteins is key to the proper development and function of our nervous system. Neuronal cell-surface receptors need to be in the right place at the right time to meet their appropriate partner proteins to activate signalling and initiate adhesion. As PhD candidate you will join us in investigating the role of tetraspanins in controlling the organisation of neuronal receptors at the molecular level.

You will join the Structural Neurobiology research group of Dr. Bert Janssen and the Structural Biology & Immunology research group of Dr. Piet Gros which combine biochemistry, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to unravel the molecular processes that facilitate cell-cell communication and interaction. Bert Janssen and Piet Gros are leaders in the field of structural biology with strong publication records and the groups offer a supportive research environment.

Pursuing a PhD in our group will offer you the opportunity to:

• develop your skills in studying the interactions between proteins in the biological membrane;
• learn how to purify membrane proteins for structural studies;
• learn cryo-EM single particle analysis grid preparation, data collection and processing;
• gain a deeper understanding of the biology of neurons;
• develop academic skills such as effective scientific communications (written and oral), building collaboration networks and teaching.

To be successful in the application multiple of the following should apply to you:

• You have (or will soon complete) a Master's degree in Molecular Life sciences, preferably (structural) biochemistry or molecular biology.
• You have advanced (theoretical) knowledge of multiple of the following subjects: Structural Biology, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Biophysics, Biochemistry.
• You are experienced in molecular biology, protein expression and purification.
• You are highly motivated, able to deal with challenges, are creative and like to work in a collaborative environment;
• You have excellent oral and written skills in English (C1).

Previous hands-on experience in Structural Biology/cryo-Electron Microscopy is not required but will be considered a significant advantage.

• an academic environment with several world-class scientists, where English is the main language;
• academic training in our Molecular Life Sciences programme;
• a supportive environment with a commitment to academic development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• a position for 4 years;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from € 2,541 in the first year to €3,247 in the fourth year in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow.

For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science. 

Are you an international applicant? Our International Service Desk can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff.

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The work will be performed in the research groups of Dr. Bert Janssen and Dr. Piet Gros, which are part of the Structural Biochemistry section. The groups offer a collaborative environment, modern tools in structural biology (e.g., X-ray and cryo-EM), biochemical, biophysical and cell biological techniques and an extensive computing infrastructure for data processing. We have access to the in-house Electron Microscopy Centre, which houses advanced instrumentation for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, including a Talos Artica, equipped with K2 direct electron detector, energy filter and a Volta phase plate.

The Structural Biochemistry group is part of the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research which coordinates the Molecular Life Sciences PhD programme and offers regular seminars by scientists from all over the world, access to advanced courses, and regular PhD evenings for PhDs and postdocs to present their work and enhance social cohesion within the Bijvoet Centre. The Bijvoet Centre comprises six research sections that form a collaborative environment focussing on elucidating the structure of the biomolecules that make up all living organisms. In addition, the Bijvoet Centre has a state-of-the-art Protein Research Centre that is equipped for protein production, purification and analysis.