Are you looking for a challenging PhD project in molecular biology and do you have an interest in protein modification? Then please read on.

As a PhD student at the Department of Cell and Chemical Biology at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), you will be part of a research group investigating the mechanisms and functional consequences of post-translational protein modification by SUMO. As part of a recently awarded VICI project, you will study the important role of SUMOylation in cell cycle progression at a proteome-wide level and at the level of individual target proteins. We expect that targeting SUMO signal transduction in cancer cells, will yield a novel anti-cancer therapy.

As mentioned, our group is interested in the mechanisms and functional consequences of post-translational protein modification by SUMO. We integrate biochemistry, cell biology and proteomic approaches and use state-of-the art microscopes and mass spectrometers to obtain novel insights in SUMO signal transduction in cell cycle progression. We have uncovered a key role for SUMO in cell cycle progression (Eifler et al. 2018; Schimmel et al. 2014) and have developed an innovative methodology to study SUMOylation and crosstalk between SUMOylation and other post-translational modifications in a cell-wide manner (Hendriks et al. 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017; Kumar et al. 2017).

You have obtained an MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences or a similar field and have a strong background in protein purification, protein biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. Experience with the cell cycle and ubiquitin-like proteins is a plus, but not a necessity. Experience in mass spectrometry is not required. Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must. You should be highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative, as well as skilled and result-driven. If you are, then we definitely encourage you to apply!

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour workweek. Your placement should lead to a PhD thesis and is for a maximum duration of four years. Your salary is € 2,336 gross per month in the first year, progressing to a maximum of € 2,992 gross per month in the fourth year, based on a full time position (scale PhD students of the Collective Labor Agreement for University Hospitals). By joining us, you will be part of a young and dynamic team consisting of international researchers.

The terms of employment offered by the LUMC are excellent. For example, you will receive 8% holiday pay, a year-end bonus, and a pension arrangement with the National Civil Pension Fund. Also, as an employee of one of the University Hospitals in the Netherlands, you can benefit from our collective health insurance policy.

Moreover, the LUMC offers excellent facilities in terms of education, child-care centers, and career advice. In addition, you may enjoy various leave arrangements and other extras. You can read more about these facilities elsewhere on this site.

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!

http://www.lumc.nl/

Cell and Chemical Biology

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. So as to also provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers. Within the Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, a team of professionals investigates functional regulation of proteins by post-translational modifications including SUMOylation, ubiquitylation and phosphorylation. This enables us to improve our knowledge about fundamental processes of life at the molecular level and to improve our knowledge about disease-linked de-regulation of these processes. Collaborators in our department include Profs. Ovaa, Neefjes and Ten Dijke. For more information about our group, visit our website http://www.lumc.nl/vertegaallab.