Are you a scientist with a PhD degree or close to completing a PhD degree in neurobiology or a related field, and interested in a scientific career? Are you passionate about science and a critical and creative thinker? Are you interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative disease and performing cutting-edge biomedical research? If so, then you have a part to play as a postdoctoral researcher!

We are recruiting for a postdoctoral researcher to work independently on Drosophila genetics projects. Your main project will involve the characterisation of mutant lines identified in a forward genetic screen for genes required for axonal maintenance (unpublished). These mutants display adult-onset progressive degeneration of peripheral motor and/or sensory neurons. Phenotypic and molecular characterisation of these mutants involves Drosophila genetic approaches, behavioural analysis, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), in vivo non-canonical amino acid tagging (NCAT), confocal and super-resolution imaging, molecular biology, biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, for instance by studying the molecular pathogenesis of CMT peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases, following up on our recently published work (Zuko, Mallik et al, Science, 2021). You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Master's students and in the longer run PhD students as well. You will get some exposure to teaching in Master's courses. Eventually, the development of an independent research project that can be transferred to a future position is possible and highly encouraged.

• You are a highly motivated, passionate, critical and creative individual with a strong publication record.
• You are team-oriented, open to provide and receive feedback, and keen to engage in scientific discussions.
• You (will) hold a PhD in neurobiology or a related field, and are interested in a scientific career.
• You have previous experience with Drosophila genetics and molecular biology.
• We are a dynamic international lab, so a good command of English is essential.

Fixed-term contract: It concerns a temporary employment for 2 years with the possibility of a 2 year extension after positive evaluation.

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €3,226 and a maximum of €5,090 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 10).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• It concerns a temporary employment for 2 years with the possibility of a 2 year extension after positive evaluation.
• Excellent personal development opportunities in both scientific and academic career skills (e.g. writing, presenting, supervision, management/leadership).
• A vibrant international environment at the Donders Institute, which has a long tradition in neuroscience and offers a personal career development plan. It regularly organises lecture series featuring top-notch speakers as well as internal seminar series.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The Storkebaum lab combines Drosophila and mouse genetics to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying motor neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Our current focus is on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy associated with mutations in tRNA synthetases and on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in FUS. More broadly, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration, with a focus on the role of mRNA translation defects. We use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques including a recently developed method for cell-type-specific in vivo labelling of newly synthesised proteins (NCAT), several high-end imaging techniques (confocal and super-resolution microscopy), single-molecule FISH, single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, mouse and Drosophila behavioural analysis, electromyography, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry. Our dynamic and international team currently consists of three postdoctoral researchers, four PhD students and a technical assistant. In addition, we have strong local, national and international collaborations with scientists working on RNA biology and genetics. You will have the opportunity to present your work to various audiences in lab meetings, institutional seminars, and the Molecular Neurobiology Seminar Series (a Donders Institute Event), and to attend international conferences. We attracted substantial external funding, including an ERC consolidator grant, two JPND grants, and grants from the Radala Foundation for ALS Research, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), AFM, ARSLA, the Dutch ALS Association, Princess Beatrix Muscle Foundation and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Recently, we published several papers in high-impact journals, including Science (2), Nature Neuroscience (3), Journal of Cell Biology, Nature Communications (5), Acta Neuropathologica (2), and EMBO Journal.

Nijmegen is a vibrant city surrounded by beautiful nature, ideally suited for hiking and sport activities. 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 are keen to meet critical thinkers who want to look closer at what really matters. People who, from their expertise, wish to contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This ambition unites more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University and requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!