The successful candidate will investigate investigate protein-nucleic acids interactions using high-throughput force and fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, such as magnetic tweezers (MT) and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM).

We are seeking for

• an outstanding experimentalist with experience in mechanical engineering, biophysics, biotechnology, and/or physics. Experience in optics, computer programming (LabVIEW, Python, Matlab, C++, etc.) and/or quantitative investigation of protein-nucleic acids interactions.
• a creative and hard-working and very collaborative individual with strong work ethic, interested in crossing research fields between biology, physics, and data science.

They will successfully develop and combine different expertise in physics, biology and data science to unravel fundamental aspect in gene expression regulation in viruses and cells. Proficiency in English (both speaking and writing) is required.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

We offer guidance and help so you can develop the skills and experience to become an independent scientist. In addition, we offer an intellectually challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a competitive salary
• The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 3 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The Dulin lab is located at VU Amsterdam (https://daviddulinlab.com/), which is one of the best universities in the Netherlands, located in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam. Our team is an inclusive and diverse group of scientists, welcoming excellent researchers from all backgrounds. We are embedded within the Physics of Living System Section of the Physics Department of VU, together with several other biophysics labs, constituting a unique environment worldwide to investigate the physics of life, and specifically at the single-molecule level. The Dulin lab has a strong expertise in RNA biophysics, from synthesis by cellular and viral polymerase complexes to innate immunity using single molecule biophysics techniques. Our recent published results contain with several breakthrough studies on SARS-CoV-2 genome replication and antiviral drugs evaluation (Bera et al., Cell Reports 2021; Seifert et al., eLife 2021) and bacterial transcription (Dulin et al., Nature Communications 2018, Bera et al., NAR 2022). The successful candidates will join an enthusiastic and international team of biophysicists and biochemists ready to tackle highly challenging problems related to antiviral drug discoveries. They will have access to a large variety of cutting-edge assays in single molecule force and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques (e.g. magnetic and optical tweezers, TIRF microscope…), and a molecular biology facility to perform their research. They will also benefit from the support of an experienced staff in molecular biology, biochemistry and data analysis. They will have the opportunity to learn from the best scientists in the field, publish in high-impact journals and present their work in international conferences.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.